Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 10/21/2010

Question
Does the tenant who is renting to own, have the right to make cosmetic changes to the house. Painting remodeling rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens etc??
R

Answer
Hi Ruby,
Thank you for your question.

First look at the lease/contract and see what it says there.  If the two parties made an agreement they should stick with it.  If it does not specify whether the tenant can make changes the logical thing to do would be to discuss the proposed changes with the owner.

Many times a tenant will paint rooms various colors with the owner's permission with the understanding that they will be returned to original color on move out.

In this case the tenant is renting to own, and any improvements will be for the tenant's benefit in the long run if they actually end up owning.  If they do not end up owning the owner would left with the changes and have to spend money to reverse the changes if they don't like them. Also the tenant will have invested money into the owner's property that can't be removed if they don't buy.

The best is to talk it over and come to an agreement.

Hope this helps you.

Hans