Tenant asking to do a walk in closet for a room

[Sandy Gabin]

Hi BP family! So one of my tenants asked me if I can let her build a walk in closet. I told her that I would think about it. I feel like there could be a red flag.  She is a very good tenant but I didn't want to say no right on the spot.  Any advice? If she is asking is because she is going to pay for it.  I am open to any suggestions or advice or does anyone have any experiences?

[Zack Thiesen]

@Sandy Gabin

I would never let someone A) do the work themselves or B) hire it out to someone I didn't know where I wasn't involved in the process. A lot of people seem to think a bedroom requires a closet of some kind. If you really feel obliged to provide one, Amazon has a lot of affordable RTA/knock-down models in the under $50 range.

Personally I would decline this... Even if completely control process including arranging and vetting labor, review plans and cost with tenant, get in writing that tenant is willing to pay that cost for the improvement and upon moving out/end of lease that they make no attempt to dismantle or remove the built-in closet, it can still lead to a sticky situation. That last part is important since a walk-in is much more involved process, with framing, drywall, electrical and trim etc and if they tried to remove it or damage it when they left it could be a headache. But if it all went to plan it could also be a great benefit to you. As with all things in the real estate world, there is risk and reward.