Newly renovated rental apartment - owner-provided curtains/hardware?

We just finished renovating a new, rental duplex in our brownstone, and we are wary of prospective tenants punching holes in the walls for the many windows that will need blinds/curtains. Is there common practice for the landlords to provide drapery or at least the hardware to prevent shoddy tenant installation? (We know we’d have to replace owner-provided items if anything happened during the tenancy. ) Or should we work with the tenant on the type of hardware they can have, or who can install it? We could split the costs, or something? Thoughts welcome.

emmajacob

in General Discussion 9 years and 4 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

snowman2 | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5043 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "44724"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BDP80X2Moanat7f.BJt0mvubJXx6xN/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "j_marali@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-02-19 23:49:09"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(44724)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Yes, Dykes for picture molding. Got picture molding hooks at Mazzone Court St; I think HD has them too.

Rick | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5054 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5053 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1470"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$Q1kBTUFZuLF3lJ9P.rHwbedi7ypWl0GuIuUv.4drEDBBqQAgV9M6e"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "rick"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "r.ladd.bklyn@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(45) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/rick/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1470)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

you can get picture molding at Dykes.

bk11233 | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5050 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5056 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "185331"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "bk11233"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BsSrwMCIxGv7617JQ7wZC/jvCQw9iU."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "bk11233"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "nick.m.rose@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:29:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "bk11233"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(185331)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

snowman2, where did you get your picture molding? i’ve been looking around for some but can’t find it anywhere.

jcurreri | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5057 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193044"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhXCZ78iMB2Zengf7lV84VJzWn9YSt/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jcurreri"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jtcurreri@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:35:05"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "John Curreri John Curreri"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193044)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We told tenants that we would hire a handyman to install hardware. Win-win for us.

Arkady | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5054 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5058 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14677"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSLpIhH1FLNbV2Qdpb/F67tu7brrgw1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "rkdillon@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/arkady/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-08-04 21:50:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "HL9P1Plx6tnm1l8GiJvd"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14677)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I agree w/ Katdov – particularly if the windows have wood moldings.

katdov | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5050 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5059 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "184796"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCxGaFYMvDXGy9L03emV09W6b6Z104."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "k.dovlatov@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:55:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "katdov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(184796)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I brought in my handyman to hang/install/drill whatever they needed. But at least I know it was be done right and can easily be patched up. I told the tenant that they can have the use of my handyman for one day and I will cover the cost.

snowman2 | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5060 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "44724"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BDP80X2Moanat7f.BJt0mvubJXx6xN/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "j_marali@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-02-19 23:49:09"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "snowman2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(44724)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A few tenants ago when I installed new windows/frames/casing, I installed curtain rods. No one has complained. I also installed picture molding in each room for them to use to hang pictures in lieu of making holes in the walls. Again, 25+ years later, no complaints. The apartment is nice, spacious, well located, warm and slightly under market for new tenants and increasingly below market the longer they stay. I think that all contributes to the lack of complaints.

slopefarm | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5054 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5061 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "655"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BK7dzbqXJe9TV6iU0glcNZiXdOt9CR1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "jrubin@law.nyc.gov"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopefarm/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(655)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

All sound advice from ejr. I would add that, hopefully, you will have tenants you are happy with stay there for a few years. You want to make good tenants feel welcome. When they move out, you will want to paint, and it is not a big deal to have the painter fill the nail and screw holes. You have to assume tenants will hang posters, pictures, etc. Expect and absorb the cost of a paint job at the end of each tenancy and don’t sweat the window treatments.

EJR | 9 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5060 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5050 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "79362"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B.h6vu7ImM77fV6j0TvRwlieo3mAr4/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(3) "ejr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "ejrothman@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(45) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/ejr2/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(3) "EJR"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(79362)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Tenants are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their rented space and, absent any specific provisions in the lease agreement, must return the unit at the end of the lease period in the same condition as when they rented it, save for “normal wear and tear”. Holes in the wall from hanging pictures or drapery are generally considered normal wear and tear and can often be easily patched.

You could try to put something in the lease agreement to address the matter, but tenants might balk at the requirement. Your best bet is to discuss with them your concerns and agree on a solution. Splitting the cost is a nice offer. Tension rods also work quite well.

Remember also that while it is your house, once you rent an apartment, it is the renter’s home. If you get good tenants they will respect the space because it is theirs. If you place unreasonable or unanticipated demands on your tenants they will come to resent you and may not treat the apartment with the care your desire. A happy tenant is worth far more than the de minimis cost of patching a few holes in the wall.