Is it possible to carry out work on a rented house?

Rented accommodation is an affordable way of getting a home quickly. Even if they are designed as residences, these homes are not always up to the job. Many tenants would be delighted to make a few changes. But do they have the right to carry out work in a rental property? Find out here!

Renting: is it possible to carry out minor renovation work?

Renovation work that is limited to adding furniture and equipment that can be dismantled can be carried out without waiting for the owner's opinion. The buyer can also change the wallpaper, install a bookcase and make holes in the wall to fix objects. In the latter case, the holes must be filled in when the buyer vacates the premises. The owner does not have to give any advice on this work.

Renting: is it possible to paint walls differently?

The law allows new paint to be applied to the walls of a dwelling without the owner's consent, although it is preferable to inform the owner in advance. The renovation may be carried out to make the property more comfortable. The new resident may not like the original colours. 

However, the new oil should not prevent the premises from being let at the end of the contract. If this is the case, the outgoing tenant is obliged to replace the original paintwork.

Renting: can you carry out major works?

When a tenant wishes to carry out major work on the house, the owner must give the go-ahead beforehand. The term "major works" refers to changes to the original building plan. 

Tenants may not carry out work of their own accord that changes the structure of the rented property. Examples include removing a partition, converting a shower into a bath, installing a burglar-proof door, etc.

The landlord's agreement to the work being carried out must be recorded. This note protects the tenant from any tricks played by the landlord, should the latter wish to deny any knowledge of the renovation project.

In the absence of clear proof, the landlord may require the tenant to restore the premises to their original state. He may also refuse to reimburse the tenant for the cost of the work, even though he has given his verbal agreement. As a result, the tenant benefits free of charge from the alterations made to the house.

What about work to bring the home up to standard?

In the interests of comfort, safety and health, tenants can carry out work to bring the property up to standard. However, the landlord must be informed in detail. 

We recommend that you send the landlord a letter with acknowledgement of receipt. The work to bring the building up to standard must be carried out without compromising its solidity or appearance. In short, this is what is expected of the tenant.

As for the landlord, he can decide to take charge of the work involved in bringing the property up to standard, setting the cost and delivery date. In general, this condition, if stipulated in the contract, can affect the current rental price. This is often the case. 

The owner may also object to the work. Negotiations are then undertaken to manage conflicts between the two parties.

Renovation of flats and/or houses

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