Tenant wanting to do bathroom renovation?

[Leah Woods]

Hi All,

I am a relatively new landlord. I have a duplex in NH and the new tenant has asked if she could do renovation in the bathroom in her unit. She wants to either move the toilet from one side of the bathroom to the other, OR swap out the vanity for a pedestal sink. I believe that this would improve the space for future tenants, but my first inclination is that this is too complicated and opens up a "can of worms". She has said she'd be willing to spend up to $1000  (her money and not be reimbursed) on the work, including fixing the laminate on the floor, painting the wall, etc.

Does anyone think this is a reasonable thing to let a tenant do? or are there legal issues I'm not aware of that could affect me?

thank you for all advice!

Leah

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Originally posted by @Leah Woods:

Hi All,

I am a relatively new landlord. I have a duplex in NH and the new tenant has asked if she could do renovation in the bathroom in her unit. She wants to either move the toilet from one side of the bathroom to the other, OR swap out the vanity for a pedestal sink. I believe that this would improve the space for future tenants, but my first inclination is that this is too complicated and opens up a "can of worms". She has said she'd be willing to spend up to $1000  (her money and not be reimbursed) on the work, including fixing the laminate on the floor, painting the wall, etc.

Does anyone think this is a reasonable thing to let a tenant do? or are there legal issues I'm not aware of that could affect me?

thank you for all advice!

Leah

Moving a toilet from one side of the room to another can't be done for $1000. You have water coming in to feed the toilet and drinage going out. It requires ripping the wall out, running new waterlines and drainage in the bathroom, and repairing. The drain has a vent pipe that goes up the wall and it may need to be relocated as well. Sinks and tubs and toilets have  required "space between fixtures clearances" you have to abide by when installing new fixtures. It would have to be inspected to be sure it's done properly.

To remove a vanity and replace with a pedestal is the cost of the pedestal, cost of replumbing under the sink and fixing the floor to look natural and might be able to be done for $1000 depending on scope of work and what mold/rotted wood issues arise in the walls and floor.

 She will have her friend do the work (a qualified plumber won't do that extensive of work for $1000). So, make sure you get a copy of the friend's plumbing license, and insurance for your files. The work may not be covered under your insurance policy if it leaks in the furture, if it isn't done by you or a licensed plumber and inspected.