UK Landlord Forum / Life

We are newbie landlords, and its not going too well!  We let our property out to a couple and all was well at first however we recently went to fit a new carbon monoxide alarm only to find the whole of upstairs with significant smoke damage (among other problems).  This was caused with incense sticks and burning 'mustard' oil.  The tenants agreed to pay for it to be repainted (after firstly denying any responsibility) however they are insisting on using the colours that were there before.  This involves multiple different colours (think feature wall, lighter coloured walls and white ceiling x 4 rooms).  We would rather send everything white to make the job quicker, simpler and potentially cheaper.  The tenant moves out in one month.  Who gets to decide the colour?

Thanks

Tenant is due to return the house in the same condition as you have it to them in 1 months time.  If they don't you have a claim on the deposit and can do what you want.  You can quote for what was there and do what you want even if it's cheaper.  I'd not be involved, put the onus on them and see how the house is in 1 month.  Do you have a robust inventory?

I would remind them that any shortcomings in the inventory check in 1 month will have to be paid for from the deposit, and that means them handing the property back in the same order it was when they let it, minus wear and tear.

I am not sure you can stop them painting it any colour they want..... providing it is returned to original condition when they check out.

A Tenant has an obligation to return the property in the same state as at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear-and-tear. That means the same colours. Obviously the Tenant is playing silly buggers with you here, as it shouldn't matter to them what colours are used, so they are sticking to the word of the law, rather than the spirit... but you, as Landlord, do not get to enforce colour choices - you had that opportunity before the tenancy started, and you didn't take it. Sorry.

Maybe a half-way house could be the opportunity here - maybe where you pay for the paint (white, as you desire) and the Tenants do the job to a high standard?