Tenant - Over 10 Years

[Jamie M Baker]

My husband and I have been in the same CA apartment for over 10 Years. We want to request new floors and paint on the walls. Obviously, we won't be able to live in the apartment while they are fixing the apartment.  Who pays for housing while they are painting etc. and is the cost of storing our furniture on us?  What are our rights here? Can they kick us out if we ask for the upgrades?

[Patricia Steiner]

Let's start here...you certainly can ask the landlord if he will upgrade the flooring and repaint.  I'm pretty sure it needs it after 10 years.  But don't be surprised if you're told "I would be glad to make those improvements but your rent will increase to $x."  Those items - especially flooring are not inexpensive.  If you were to leave at the end of your lease term, those improvements would be needed to attract another quality tenant but the rent would increase.  That's the way it works.  

It's not about your rights as a tenant when it comes to other housing and storage because your landlord isn't putting this on you; you're requesting it be done.  Some inconvenience is expected.  I recommend asking the landlord if he could visit the property and consider some improvements and then working with him to come up with a schedule and process for getting the work done, possibly on a room-by-room basis.  When you show a willingness to cooperate - rather than an expectation - you'll get more cooperation/assistance back.

I'm sure you see this property as your home.  I know I would.  I've lived in mine through much larger projects and it was well worth it.  Hope this helps.