The windows in my rental unit do not currently have blinds. Would it be a good idea to offer a new tenant some amount of money to purchase and install window blinds in the unit?
ANSWER:
Generally speaking it is better for a landlord to maintain control over the rental property fixtures including blinds and drapes. Allowing a tenant to select and install any type of decorative items in the rental unit can be problematic. This can be particularly true regarding window coverings that involve installation using screws or nails.
Experience has shown that allowing a tenant to make decorating decisions can have the potential for unacceptable decorating choices in color or design. If items are improperly installed, the tenant can damage drywall or plaster and/or cause collateral damage to the rental unit. The cost of fixing the problems can be higher than the cost of having paid a professional to install those items and materials chosen by the landlord. There is potentially the issue of possible injury to the tenant when the tenant does the installation himself that could result in claims against the landlord. Although a landlord may win the case, it could involve a great deal of hassle and expense.
Depending upon the rental market, the property’s location and physical condition, your offer may not be considered enough of a rental incentive by some prospective tenants. Some potential applicants could decide it would be too much work to deal with the selection and installation of blinds and choose to rent somewhere else. Or without adequate safeguards on your part, the tenant could take the money for purchase of blinds but never follow through with the actual purchase or installation. Additionally, if the tenant does purchase and install the window blinds, at time of move-out, the tenant may decide he has the right to take items he installed, resulting in both loss of the items and possible damage from the removal.
A landlord will be safer regarding the choice of materials, the quality of work, and the safety of the tenant if the landlord uses the services of a professional vendor. You can avoid potential problems by getting the work done before marketing the unit. Doing so might make it easier to rent the unit and/or obtain a little higher rent for it.