How to Get Your Landlord to Pay for Apartment Renovations

Many people feel that their hands are tied if their rental apartment needs some heavy duty sprucing up. Why invest your own money into someone else's property? What many people do not realize is that your rights as a renter are much stronger than you think. Here is how to get your landlord to pay for apartment renovations.

Instructions

1. When moving into a new apartment, your landlord is obligated to apply a fresh coat of paint. If he has not done so, then talk to him about your desire to repaint. Tell your landlord you will send them the bill for the paint (not supplies, just the actual paint). If your landlord is less trustworthy, then simply deduct the cost of paint from your rent, sending receipts as proof.

2. If an area is in need of renovations, such as a kitchen, be wise how you ask to have it renovated. For example, if cabinets are coming off the walls, simply say, "We have just signed a year long lease, and these cabinets are going to come off the wall way before then. I would like to get an estimate of how much this would cost to redo, but first I need your permission. Would you be willing to pay for that?" Reassure your landlord that you will do this in the most inexpensive way possible.

3. If there are any other problem areas, then now is the time to ask your landlord. She will be way more likely to renovate multiple things at once, rather than separately. Say something to the effect of, "The kitchen floor is in really bad shape too. Shall I get an estimate on that as well?"

4. The easier you make this process for your landlord, the more likely he will be to say yes. Offer to get your apartment professionally measured, find the contractor, get the estimate, pick out the furnishings and so on. Using key words like, "fire hazard," "unsafe," "likely to break," "on its last legs," are all good ways to get your landlord to listen.

5. After all estimates are finished, work out a deal with your landlord. Will you be paying for everything outright and deducting it from your rent? This is the easiest option. Waiting for a reimbursement can sometimes take forever and many of us do not have enough cash on hand for both renovations and rent at the same time. Good luck!