UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello, my tenants have today asked if they can have a burglar alarm fitted to my property as the house nextdoor was broken in to at the weekend. Are they responsible for paying for it? Thanks

I look upon these requests as an opportunity.

This will be an improvement to your property, your asset. As long as the work is done professionally, not DIY, then I see no reason not to allow it... but it would be at the Tenant's cost, not yours. Strictly speaking, they agreed to rent the property as seen... it didn't have a burglar alarm when they viewed it, presumably?

I encourage these updates. You need to have it documented that the burglar alarm becomes yours, though. They don't get to remove it when they eventually leave. Some Tenants of mine replaced a bedroom carpet on the express understanding that - as there was a fine carpet there already (just in a shade of purple) - that the new carpet belonged to the property and when they left they did not get to take it with them or try to sell it to me.

In circumstances like this, I will often be happy to contribute. Not always, as I said - the cost should be the Tenant's, but often. My asset is getting an improvement (usually)... I don't mind that. I also do not mind the property being that much more appealing to the current Tenants.

In the first instance, I would ask them what they're thinking... gauge how reasonable they're being in the request.

Thanks HG - there wasn't a burglar alarm at the property previously.

They are good tenants, and are looking for a long term let, so if they are happy, so I am.  Thanks for your comprehensive reply, it looks like a win-win situation.

Good approach.

Don't let them DIY it.