{"id":4082,"date":"2024-02-05T09:42:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T09:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/?p=4082"},"modified":"2024-08-08T20:51:12","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T09:42:08","slug":"can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Make Home Improvements On a Rental Yourself &#8211; Or Should You Use a Pro?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Thinking of making some home improvements to your rental in 2024? With so many YouTube DIY and interior design videos out there, getting stuck into a project seems easier than ever before. However, put down the paintbrush for a second. Before going any further, there are a few vital considerations to think about &#8211; keep reading for <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-dryer-vent-cleaning-kits-everything-you-need-to-know\/\">everything you need to know<\/a> to ensure your project doesn\u2019t land you in hot (or cold) water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>The main purpose of this article is to provide guidance and essential considerations for renters interested in making <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/category\/home-improvement\/\">home improvements<\/a> to their rental properties. It aims to help renters navigate the process of undertaking home improvement projects while adhering to necessary regulations, landlord permissions, and safety protocols.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>People should read this article if they:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are renters considering home improvements such as repainting walls, installing new fixtures, or renovating spaces within their rental property?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We need to understand the importance of obtaining landlord approval and determining whether certain repairs or improvements are the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want to learn about the significance of personal liability renters insurance and how it can protect them in case of accidents or <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/how-to-know-if-tree-roots-have-damaged-your-homes-drain-pipes-and-how-a-plumber-can-help\/\">damage during home<\/a> improvement projects?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek guidance on whether to undertake home improvement projects or hire professional contractors based on the complexity and potential risks involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desire real-life examples and scenarios to better understand the practical application of the article&#8217;s advice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#Improvement_or_Repair_Check_with_Your_Landlord\" title=\"Improvement or Repair: Check with Your Landlord\">Improvement or Repair: Check with Your Landlord<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#The_Importance_of_Personal_Liability_Renters_Insurance\" title=\"The Importance of Personal Liability Renters Insurance\">The Importance of Personal Liability Renters Insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#Can_I_Make_the_Home_Improvements_Myself\" title=\"Can I Make the Home Improvements Myself?\">Can I Make the Home Improvements Myself?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#Real_Case_Study_Examples\" title=\"Real Case Study Examples\">Real Case Study Examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#People_Also_Search\" title=\"People, Also Search\">People, Also Search<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/can-you-make-home-improvements-on-a-rental-yourself-or-should-you-use-a-pro\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improvement_or_Repair_Check_with_Your_Landlord\"><\/span>Improvement or Repair: Check with Your Landlord<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"796\" data-id=\"5126\" src=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Improvement-or-Repair-Check-with-Your-Landlord.jpg\" alt=\"Improvement or Repair: Check with Your Landlord\" class=\"wp-image-5126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Improvement-or-Repair-Check-with-Your-Landlord.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Improvement-or-Repair-Check-with-Your-Landlord-300x233.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Improvement-or-Repair-Check-with-Your-Landlord-768x597.jpg 768w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Improvement-or-Repair-Check-with-Your-Landlord-360x280.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Improvement or Repair: Check with Your Landlord<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before even considering undertaking home improvements on your rental, there are two key things to determine. Firstly, is the home improvement actually the responsibility of your landlord to fund and arrange? For example, if your windows are leaking, your front door doesn\u2019t lock properly, or your property is suffering from dampness, these are all things that are up to your landlord to put right at their own expense &#8211;&nbsp; unless, of course, you are responsible for the damage as a result of direct action or omission. In other words, if the windows are leaking because you caused damage to the frame, the cost of the repair is likely to be on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, for home improvements such as changing the paint scheme, installing new kitchen cupboards, or tearing up the carpets to replace them with floorboards, you\u2019ll need <a href=\"https:\/\/realestate.usnews.com\/real-estate\/articles\/should-you-renovate-your-apartment\">to get permission from your landlord<\/a>. Be aware, though: even if your landlord agrees to your home improvement request, they may stipulate that you\u2019ll need to put the property back to its original state at the end of your tenancy. This is most likely to be the case if, say, you\u2019re asking to repaint the walls in a particularly bold color or put up some strikingly patterned wallpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_Personal_Liability_Renters_Insurance\"><\/span><a><\/a>The Importance of Personal Liability Renters Insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide or need to get the home improvements on your rental undertaken by a professional, it\u2019s important to ensure you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lemonade.com\/renters\/explained\/personal-liability\/\">personal liability renters insurance<\/a>. This is to make sure you\u2019re covered in the event that this professional suffers an accident or injury while they\u2019re in your home. This element is usually incorporated in a general renters insurance policy, but it\u2019s worth checking if this is the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The personal liability element is just one reason that having renters insurance is so important. A policy is also a vital way to protect your personal possessions in the event of damage or theft &#8211; plus, it may be able to cover your costs should you need to move out of your home for a temporary time period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_Make_the_Home_Improvements_Myself\"><\/span>Can I Make the Home Improvements Myself?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"796\" data-id=\"5127\" src=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Can-I-Make-the-Home-Improvements-Myself-.jpg\" alt=\"Can I Make the Home Improvements Myself?\" class=\"wp-image-5127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Can-I-Make-the-Home-Improvements-Myself-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Can-I-Make-the-Home-Improvements-Myself--300x233.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Can-I-Make-the-Home-Improvements-Myself--768x597.jpg 768w, https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Can-I-Make-the-Home-Improvements-Myself--360x280.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Can I Make the Home Improvements Myself?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you\u2019ve got the landlord\u2019s permission to carry out your desired home improvements &#8211; great! Next, it\u2019s time to work out whether it\u2019s possible to undertake these yourself or call in the services of a professional. This will totally depend on the nature of the home improvements you want to be undertaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some decorating you may wish to tackle on your own while fitting a new bathroom suite will require bringing a professional on board to <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/faqs-about-plumbers\/\">e<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/faqs-about-plumbers\/\">nsure the plumbing is undertake<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/faqs-about-plumbers\/\">n<\/a> correctly. Your landlord may even only agree to certain improvements on the proviso that the work is carried out by an experienced professional contractor. In general, any project that involves plumbing or electrical wiring should always be undertaken by a professional &#8211; as well as potentially causing damage to the property if things go wrong; they entail serious risks to your health and safety, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to consider the fact that even though carrying out some home improvements yourself will save you on the cost of hiring a professional, you may still need to purchase expensive tools and equipment to get the <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/complete-guide-on-greenhouse-how-does-a-greenhouse-works\/\">work completed<\/a> to a high standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real_Case_Study_Examples\"><\/span>Real Case Study Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sarah, a renter in a studio apartment, wanted to give her living space a fresh look. After obtaining her landlord&#8217;s approval and ensuring she had personal liability renters insurance, she tackled repainting the walls herself. However, she hired a professional contractor to install new kitchen cabinets to ensure the work was done correctly and safely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>John and Emily, a young couple renting a two-bedroom house, planned to renovate the bathroom. They consulted with their landlord, who agreed to the renovation but required them to hire licensed professionals for the plumbing and electrical work. The couple also purchased personal liability renters insurance to protect themselves from accidents during the renovation process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mike, a college student living in a shared rental apartment, wanted to create a small <a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/15-tips-for-transitioning-to-a-standing-desk-in-the-office-and-at-home\/\">home office<\/a> space in his bedroom. After getting approval from his landlord and roommates, he built a custom desk and shelving unit himself. However, he hired an electrician to ensure the work was done safely and that the new lighting fixtures were up to code when installed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"People_Also_Search\"><\/span>People, Also Search<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do I need permission from my landlord before making any home improvements?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, obtaining consent from your landlord before undertaking any home improvement projects in your rental property is crucial, even if they seem minor. Failure to do so could potentially violate your lease agreement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What type of home improvements typically require hiring a professional contractor?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Projects involving plumbing, electrical work, structural modifications, or major renovations should be handled by licensed and insured professional contractors to ensure safety and adherence to building codes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why is personal liability renters insurance important when making home improvements?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Personal liability renters insurance can protect you in case of accidents or injuries during home improvement projects, mainly if you have hired contractors to work on your rental property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can my landlord require me to return the rental property to its original condition after making improvements?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, landlords can stipulate that tenants must return the rental property to its original condition at the end of the tenancy, especially if the upgrades involve significant alterations or personalized design choices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When deciding whether to tackle a home improvement project or hire a professional, what should I consider?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/diy-vs-professional-skylight-installation-factors-to-consider\/\">Consider factors<\/a> such as your skill level, the complexity of the project, the potential for damage or safety risks, the cost of tools and materials, and the time required to complete the project. It is generally advisable to hire a professional contractor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Making a few improvements to your rental property can uplevel your home and make it feel more your own. Whether it\u2019s applying a new shade of paint in the living room or creating a set of built-in shelves in a hall alcove, home improvements can take near-endless forms. Before starting on a project, first of all, consider whether it\u2019s actually the landlord\u2019s responsibility. For example, if the living room needs painting <a href=\"https:\/\/hoa.org.uk\/advice\/guides-for-homeowners\/i-am-improving\/how-to-spot-and-get-rid-of-damp\/\">because dampness has stained the walls<\/a> since you began your tenancy, this could be the landlord\u2019s responsibility to put it right. For purely aesthetic or design improvements, you\u2019ll still need the landlord\u2019s permission to carry them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when it comes to whether or not to hire a professional to carry out the work? If it involves electrics or plumbing, bringing a professional on board is vital. For other types of work, this will depend on your skill level and the time you have available. If in doubt? Get in a contractor. And don\u2019t forget to be sure you have personal liability renters insurance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking of making some home improvements to your rental in 2024? With so many YouTube DIY and interior design videos out there, getting stuck into a project seems easier than ever before. However, put down&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389],"tags":[718,719,721,720],"class_list":{"0":"post-4082","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-home-improvement","8":"tag-home-improvements","9":"tag-improvement","10":"tag-liability-renters-insurance","11":"tag-repair"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4082","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4082"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4082\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5130,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4082\/revisions\/5130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4082"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articlethirteen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}