Tenant Wants To Make Modifications

[Art Maydan]

My tenant wants to install a TV mount and potentially move the cable hole in the wall. I think the mount is reasonable, but he can just run a longer cable and deal with the cable hole where it is. What do you think? He's a great tenant, but probably won't be staying longer than a year.

What would be the proper procedure for something like this? Is there a form we can sign authorizing a modification and saying he’s responsible for paying to reverse it when he leaves? Do I get the money up front or just withhold it from his security deposit? Putting up a wall mount doesn’t sound very difficult and I did a lot of the work to get the house rent ready myself. But I don’t think I should have to do additional work myself. Do we need to hire a contractor or can I let him do it himself and stipulate in the contract that he will pay for any damage?

Thank you!

[Thomas S.]

Tell him no and leave it at that. He can set his TV on a table and bend his neck a little.