Tenant suggested improvements

[Stephanie Pineiro]

Hi! My question is regarding tenant Improvements and liability. Recently our tenants have asked us if they could remove the carpet in the living room. They asked to meet and presented us with laminate flooring options they researched and offered to split the cost and install the new flooring, they have a family member who has offered to help them with the installation. We are fully supportive of removing the carpet and replacing the flooring. My only reservation is if there would be any liability for us if the tenants installed the flooring themselves. They offered to split the cost of the flooring but I think we would rather purchase the flooring for them and they install it within a reasonable timeframe. Has anyone had this type of situation arise and how did/do you think it might be best handled? Thank you for your input!

[Nathan Gesner]

It's great that the tenants are willing to split the cost, but I'm not a fan of letting them install it. The floor should last 15+ years, but only if it's done properly. If they do it wrong, you'll end up paying for half the cost now and then the full cost when they move out and you have to replace it.

Offer to let them pay for the materials and you pay for installation.