Is it reasonable to ask the landlord to replace the couch and blinds

Minime2.5

Ive been renting in my current apartment for 5 years. Its a bog standard 1 bed. I have been thinking of moving out because I feel the place is a bit drab. The Blinds are well worn and the couch is hideous. Am I entitled to ask the landlord replace these things. Ive been a very good tenant. Always paid rent on time and any odd job that needed to be done I paid it myself and took it out of the rent . The walls were badly in need of a painting before I moved in and I agreed to go halves with him. Attached is the blind in my room and the couch

Minime2.5

the blind and sofa

Sleepy

Certainly no harm in asking. If they've been there as long as you have the depreciation on them would have been written off by now and there are tax breaks for this so can't see why he'd say no rather than risk losing you (unless your rent is significantly below market rate)

pc7

As mentioned on your other thread, you can always ask or just get a nice free sofa on Adverts, based on your wages on the other thread you can afford to get a few bits to make it more homely.

Gumbo

Is the lease furnished or unfurnished?

Did you provide the sofa or the LL?


I don’t see any harm asking to be honest. He can pick up blinds and a side cheap enough and he can offset the cost towards his income tax. (Not sure if direct or capital cost over 8 years).

godtabh

Maybe ask the LL to take it away and you buy your own and keep it/sell it when you move on

Minime2.5

kceire wrote: »

Is the lease furnished or unfurnished?

Did you provide the sofa or the LL?


I don’t see any harm asking to be honest. He can pick up blinds and a side cheap enough and he can offset the cost towards his income tax. (Not sure if direct or capital cost over 8 years).

The lease is furnished and its the landlords

awec

Definitely ask.

Both look like they've outlived their natural lives.

saabsaab

Depends. Are you paying full market rate or near? If so do ask to replace the couch is past it. If you are paying much less that market rent then be careful or he may fell that aredo and higher rent is the way to go.

awec

I don't think your current rent is relevant tbh. The two items you've shown are no longer fit for purpose, if the landlord is in any way competent they will replace both. This is just one of the costs of being a landlord letting out furnished property.

Steer55

A blind can be got in Argos for €20 ��

saabsaab

awec wrote: »

I don't think your current rent is relevant tbh. The two items you've shown are no longer fit for purpose, if the landlord is in any way competent they will replace both. This is just one of the costs of being a landlord letting out furnished property.

Yes they should but if the rent is well below market rate it would be wise to consider the possibility of them deciding to end the lease.

Mrs OBumble

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

mikemac2

Usual sneering from Mrs O B

I had a sofa in a similar state after a few years. It was godawful plastic that is very uncomfortable and eventually it cracks. Cheapest of the cheap sofa

Ask for sure. I did and got something much better

punisher5112

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

Will you stop that is the cheapest crap that can be bought with fake leather.

The op is paying high rent as I'm sure you are so to be honest the fittings and furniture should really reflect on that price.

The LL will be able to deduct for tax and honestly after 5 years they've done well....

Quite possible them items were there and well used before.


Op ask the LL and if you get nowhere then put it in writing and if still no action then use the RTB as you should be comfortable in your home.

Obviously you could as others said ask them to remove and get your own but then again they may even say no.

JustLen

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

I bought a very similar sofa to that. Looks almost identical. Cracked in the exact same way after about 4 years.

awec

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

Those sofas are total garbage. Cheap plastic rubbish.

Mine went the same way, landlord replaced it without issue.

awec

saabsaab wrote: »

Yes they should but if the rent is well below market rate it would be wise to consider the possibility of them deciding to end the lease.

They can't end the lease because the OP is making completely reasonable requests for dead furniture and fixtures and fittings to be replaced.

pwurple

Those are pretty bad. Yes, ask for a replacement. Landlords can write refurbishment off against tax, should be no objection.

Always Tired

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

Do you ever not immediately jump to blame the OP for whatever situation they ask advice on? There's no way you have the same couch, those are the cheap naff ones you get in rentals that would never last over 5 years.

Steer55

punisher5112 wrote: »

Will you stop that is the cheapest crap that can be bought with fake leather.




Op ask the LL and if you get nowhere then put it in writing and if still no action then use the RTB as you should be comfortable in your home.

And people wonder why landlords are selling up and getting out. OP earning €1000 a week and he too mean to make his rented flat comfortable for himself.

awec

Steer55 wrote: »

And people wonder why landlords are selling up and getting out. OP earning €1000 a week and he too mean to make his rented flat comfortable for himself.

There is some nonsense posted on here sometimes.

Landlords are selling up and getting out because they're expected to replace their own furniture? Any landlord who thinks like this is a total clown and we (and the rest of landlords) are better off without them. They're the sort of unprofessional, clueless landlord that results in all landlords getting a bad name (which subsequently makes them an easy target for government legislation).

Spanish Eyes

To be fair that sofa is in bits, not fit for anything. LL would or should replace it. I was proxy LL for an elderly relative and replaced a sofa in similar condition (don't know how it got that bad TBH after three years newly bought, but didn't quibble).

The tenant replaced a blind and some other small things himself no bother. Gave him 50 quid. Just saying. So it was only the big things.

saabsaab

Do what you feel is right OP only you know the situation.



I will tell the following true story for your perusal



Their was a house being rented for way, way below the market rent. The landlord wanted a quiet life and wasn't really bothered about the rent. This went on without a hike for years. Then a new person started in the house and asked for new furniture etc. etc.



This disturbed the Landlord no end and he quickly sold the property and all they had to leave. They weren't too happy about it.

awec

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

To be fair that sofa is in bits, not fit for anything. LL would or should replace it. I was proxy LL for an elderly relative and replaced a sofa in similar condition (don't know how it got that bad TBH after three years newly bought, but didn't quibble).

The tenant replaced a blind and some other small things himself no bother. Just saying. So it was only the big things.

Those fake plastic leather sofas are genuinely rubbish. They do not last.

They go hard after a while, and then doing things such as sitting on them (which I guess people do with sofas) causes them to crack, and the plastic then starts to peel off the underlayer.

Once it starts to crack it just gets worse, there's no way to stop it.

Mrs OBumble

It's great the way that boards gives people a variety of opinions rather than just functioning as an echo chamber with everyone agreeing with each other :-)

I reckon that the blind has been attacked by a cat or some such. Absolutely not natural wear and tear.

And we have no idea what rent the OP is paying.

Spanish Eyes

awec wrote: »

Those fake plastic leather sofas are genuinely rubbish. They do not last.

They go hard after a while, and then doing things such as sitting on them (which I guess people do with sofas) causes them to crack, and the plastic then starts to peel off the underlayer.

Once it starts to crack it just gets worse, there's no way to stop it.

Just to mention, the sofa that I replaced was not plastic or anything, it was fabric but was full of holes, rips and tears etc. I didn't argue just replaced it with a similar sofa.

And told them to get rid of the fecking cat that they didn't admit to, and said no more replacements ok! Ha.

awec

awec wrote: »

I don't think your current rent is relevant tbh. The two items you've shown are no longer fit for purpose, if the landlord is in any way competent they will replace both. This is just one of the costs of being a landlord letting out furnished property.

It is likely to remind him to Increase the rent. If the op isn’t in a rent pressure zone it could be 100’s more per month and even if they are they are there 5 years so even with the rules an increase could be significant.

Minime2.5

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

TBH, if you can find somewhere nicer to move for a comparable price, then sure ask your LL. But places to move to are scarce enough in many parts of the country.

The Sofa-Sitting on it

The blinds- Pulling them down at night

JustLen

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

It's great the way that boards gives people a variety of opinions rather than just functioning as an echo chamber with everyone agreeing with each other :-)

I reckon that the blind has been attacked by a cat or some such. Absolutely not natural wear and tear.

And we have no idea what rent the OP is paying.

You said that the couch should last 10 years easily which isn't the case clearly. I don't know why you would say that if it obviously isn't true.

Not disagreeing with you about the blind.

Minime2.5

JustLen wrote: »

You said that the couch should last 10 years easily which isn't the case clearly. I don't know why you would say that if it obviously isn't true.

Not disagreeing with you about the blind.

well i didnt do anything to the blind. i cant remember if it was like that or not when i moved in . if you dont believe me i dont care because it wont matter what i say

Minime2.5

Steer55 wrote: »

And people wonder why landlords are selling up and getting out. OP earning €1000 a week and he too mean to make his rented flat comfortable for himself.

So what would I have to be earning for it not be my responsibility to replace the furniture. If I quit my job and went on the dole would that qualify me

JustLen

Minime2.5 wrote: »

well i didnt do anything to the blind. i cant remember if it was like that or not when i moved in . if you dont believe me i dont care because it wont matter what i say

Calm dowm there. Go and ask the landlord nicely and report back on how it goes.

No point having the discussion until you've asked.

Is it reasonable for you to ask? Yes
Does the landlord have to replace? No
Will they replace? Maybe

The landlord could be loaded or could be broke. Could be generous or could be tight. We don't know.

Maybe suggest the blind be replaced this month and the couch be replaced over the next 2 months.

Don't ask, don't get.

Most importantly please post how it goes to help people that have the same issue in future..

Best of luck.

irish_goat

The landlord would need to replace that sofa if he is was looking to get a new tenant so you might as well ask.

In saying that, as mentioned, you can get free sofas on Facebook, Adverts etc all the time so it might be less hassle to just look there.

Asitis2019

Minime2.5 wrote: »

Ive been renting in my current apartment for 5 years. Its a bog standard 1 bed. I have been thinking of moving out because I feel the place is a bit drab. The Blinds are well worn and the couch is hideous. Am I entitled to ask the landlord replace these things. Ive been a very good tenant. Always paid rent on time and any odd job that needed to be done I paid it myself and took it out of the rent . The walls were badly in need of a painting before I moved in and I agreed to go halves with him. Attached is the blind in my room and the couch

Will you go wan and get out of the park

punisher5112

Steer55 wrote: »

And people wonder why landlords are selling up and getting out. OP earning €1000 a week and he too mean to make his rented flat comfortable for himself.

Hilarious....

Bit like my last rental there were pink sofas from the 80s worn out garbage....

A group of 5 came to inspect one day and the women sat down and were like oh aren't these so comfortable....
Eh no they're absolute dirt.

After this I got my own put the others in the garage as they were fit for the skip and that's where they ended up when we left.

Tools.

dennyk

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've been in my place more than 10 years, and the sofa is similar material and nothing like that. What have you been doing to it? Also, how did the holes in the blinds get there - that isn't natural wear and tear.

The blind looks like some cheap plastic/vinyl thing; constant exposure to sunlight (especially if it gets direct sunlight) will turn that sort of material very brittle after a couple years, and eventually when it's being constantly rolled up and down on a daily basis, it just starts falling to bits. Same deal with the couch; the really ****ty fake leather will harden up after a while and then it just splits and cracks to pieces when it flexes every time someone sits down on it. Your couch might look similar, but it's probably made of better material; even if it's not real leather, there are different qualities of synthetic coverings, and some of the better ones can last for quite a while, while the cheaper ones can start falling apart within a matter of a year or less.

saabsaab

OP do you mind me asking what % of the open market rent are you paying atm? Approx figure say 80-100%? 60-80% or less?

jimmycrackcorm

If the place is in a rent pressure zone then I doubt if a landlord wood be inclined to replace these. There is no incentive when the LL is prevented from increasing rent to put effort into improving the property.

There's no harm in asking and reminding the LL that it can be written against tax.

awec

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

If the place is in a rent pressure zone then I doubt if a landlord wood be inclined to replace these. There is no incentive when the LL is prevented from increasing rent to put effort into improving the property.

There's no harm in asking and reminding the LL that it can be written against tax.

The landlord doesn't need an incentive. The OP is paying rent to cover things like this. He's paying rent for a furnished property and now some of the furniture is not fit for purpose.

This is just one of those things landlords have to do every now and again if they let furnished properties. Nothing lasts forever, especially not the cheapo stuff that landlords like to use.

pwurple

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

If the place is in a rent pressure zone then I doubt if a landlord wood be inclined to replace these. There is no incentive when the LL is prevented from increasing rent to put effort into improving the property.

There's no harm in asking and reminding the LL that it can be written against tax.

As someone who rents out multiple types of property for the last ~20 years, replacing fittings from wear and tear is a normal, budgeted, expected expense.

There;s no need to 'remind' the landlord about tax, and a landlord does not put up the rent every time a poxy 100 euro blind is replaced.


It is in everyones interest to keep housing stock in good repair.

Fol20

awec wrote: »

I don't think your current rent is relevant tbh. The two items you've shown are no longer fit for purpose, if the landlord is in any way competent they will replace both. This is just one of the costs of being a landlord letting out furnished property.

Thats subjective. blinds with a few small holes do not make it not fit for purpose, yes aesthetically, it may not be as good as it once was but it still does the job. same for the couch.

Rent plays a big factor here. Hes not a good tenant, he is simply a tenant that pays on time. When he mentioned he did jobs AND subtracts from the rent again just means he is a normal tenant. Nothing really to make him better or worse here. If he is below market rate, calling him for this type of stuff will make him think, ok i spent 1k for all the work. I havent increase rent for x years and i want to recoup the extra money so lets increase it by 100e a month etc so in the end the tenant could loose out.

Fol20

pwurple wrote: »

Those are pretty bad. Yes, ask for a replacement. Landlords can write refurbishment off against tax, should be no objection.

It still costs the ll money and hassle so there can be objections. its not like hes paying nothing for it.

Fol20

awec wrote: »

The landlord doesn't need an incentive. The OP is paying rent to cover things like this. He's paying rent for a furnished property and now some of the furniture is not fit for purpose.

This is just one of those things landlords have to do every now and again if they let furnished properties. Nothing lasts forever, especially not the cheapo stuff that landlords like to use.

Actually yes he does need an incentive. Does the couch function albeit not very comfortably - yes. Does the blinds function yes.

Its an opportunity cost for the ll. Should he spend 1k to repair those things with an ROI of 0 on a depreciating asset or should he invest it somewhere else.

pwurple

Fol20 wrote: »

It still costs the ll money and hassle so there can be objections. its not like hes paying nothing for it.

A functioning landlord is well aware of wear and tear, and plans accordingly. Use the business account, where the rent is held.


What hassle? Two low hassle ways of doing this.

Hey tenant, pick out what you need and let me know how much it costs. If I approve, I'll order it and put your contact on the delivery notes.

OR

Hey management agent, pick out what's suitable and let me know how much it costs. Once I approve, order and arrange delivery please.


I should charge for this kind of advice! :D:D

Fol20

pwurple wrote: »

A functioning landlord is well aware of wear and tear, and plans accordingly. Use the business account, where the rent is held.


What hassle? Two low hassle ways of doing this.

Hey tenant, pick out what you need and let me know how much it costs. If I approve, I'll order it and put your contact on the delivery notes.

OR

Hey management agent, pick out what's suitable and let me know how much it costs. Once I approve, order and arrange delivery please.


I should charge for this kind of advice! :D:D

Yes your right, it may not be too much hassle compared to other stuff but it still requires a visit to a furniture shop. I do not allow my tenants pick out this type of stuff as i prefer to see whats the best deal i can get.

Yes they are aware of wear and tear costs etc but im just saying not everything is set in stone and can be subjective. Depending on the type of rental the property is, low end or high end, this would dictate if i would accept to buy new stuff. If this was middle to low end, i wouldnt replace the the blinds. Depending on how comfortable i think the couches are, i might replace the couch.For middle to high, yes both need to be replaced. This is why if the tenant pays market rent comes into play.

pwurple

pwurple wrote: »

A functioning landlord is well aware of wear and tear, and plans accordingly. Use the business account, where the rent is held.


What hassle? Two low hassle ways of doing this.

Hey tenant, pick out what you need and let me know how much it costs. If I approve, I'll order it and put your contact on the delivery notes.

OR

Hey management agent, pick out what's suitable and let me know how much it costs. Once I approve, order and arrange delivery please.


I should charge for this kind of advice! :D:D

You are making the assumption the LL thinks like you. He may think the couch and blinds are fine and has no intention nor desire to spend money and it may jog his memory to up the rent. This is one possible outcome, there is no point pretending it’s not.

ted1

You can pick up a good blind in ikea. Couldn’t see the landlord having an issue with that.

Couch is a headache for him. I’d replace it but it be a cheap couch. I wouldn’t get the same type if her for my own house.

q85dw7osi4lebg

OP for the sake of a few quid and some well saved energy, I'd replace with your own and bring them with you when you move.

Landlords will replace with cheap ****e (because why would they want to spend a months rent (net) if they don't have to.

CosmicFool

Margaret Sparse Cylinder wrote: »

OP for the sake of a few quid and some well saved energy, I'd replace with your own and bring them with you when you move.

Landlords will replace with cheap ****e (because why would they want to spend a months rent (net) if they don't have to.

I hate the why would the want to spend a month's rent if they don't have to bull****. They're renting the property. Keep the damn thing in good nick. It's not like he's asking for new things every other month or year. Jesus christ

JustAThought

the blind looks like its had a rucksack punched through it -and it looks like a blackout blind -expensive.If I was the ll I’d be asking how those holes got into it and deducting it from the depisit for sure.

The couch looks fairly knackered & Id say if the OP said his ladyfriends tights were gettjng snagged in the chapped & worn leather s/he might see sense and replace it for him. My friend down the road bought an outrageously expensive couch and it also went like this -he was livid!!!

I’d angle for the couch & to be there to help & open up when the new one is delivered etc.Just dont get stuck with the ild one being left there or you’ll have no space left!!