Apartment renovations can be very costly, and even simple modifications can cost you hundreds of dollars. The good news is that there are ways by which you can get your landlord to pay for the work, although he may be hesitant to do so initially. Here are some ideas on how you can get your landlord to cough up the dough to pretty up your apartment.
Before you go about trying to convince your landlord to pony up for a renovation job, make sure that you are in a position to expect him to comply. Your landlord will probably be more willing to assume the costs if you are consistently prompt with your rent, and you take care of the apartment. You are also more likely to get him to go along if you have been a good tenant for a good stretch of time.
Check the terms of your lease. Most rental agreements have a clause pertaining to your landlord’s responsibility to implement apartment renovations. You might already have legal grounds for requesting work to be done. Reading through your rental contract should tell you the extent of renovation work for which you are entitled.
If your landlord is hesitant to cough up the dough, you will have to increase the pressure a bit. Now would be a good time to read up on laws pertaining to rental in your state. Most cities have clauses in the rental laws that detail landlord responsibility in maintaining the property, and you might find that the law is already on your side. If necessary, provide photos of specific areas of your apartment that are in need of renovation.
Always maintain civility when discussing apartment renovations with your landlord. You want to be convincing of course, but you don’t necessarily want to be combative. Take a more courteous and civil approach, and he will probably be more willing to pay for any work that needs to be done.