Can I refuse tenant request

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by 11141, 2nd May, 2019.

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  1. 11141

    11141 Member

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    Tenant has requested installation of a few rails in bathroom.
    At no cost to me... To be paid by a health provider.

    I've been told by my property manager that if I refuse for these works to go ahead I run the risk of being liable if tenant has a fall in bath.
    I fear that it will snowball and rails and disability aids will be installed all over the house.
    Do I have a Choice?
     
  2. Shogun

    Shogun Well-Known Member

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  3. euro73

    euro73 Well-Known Member Business Member

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    This appears to be the key information..

    If you have a disability you can make reasonable alterations to the accommodation to meet your special needs if:
    • you as the tenant pay for the alterations
    • you as the tenant agree to restore the accommodation to its previous state before you leave
    • the alterations will not alter the premises of another occupier. For example, a neighbour's property
    • things can be put back to the way that they were before the alterations.

    So the question is...does your tenant have a disability that requires these alterations?
     
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  4. 11141

    11141 Member

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    I don't know.
     
  5. marmot

    marmot Well-Known Member

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    Not sure if its local council or state government , but they provide funds for elderly people for hand rails in certain areas, especially bathrooms and toilets where they are at a higher risk of slipping over, regardless if its their own home or a rental
    It just keeps them out of the hospital system , and for many they never recover enough to live independently again ,especially if its serious damage to the hips or legs.
    They simply dont recover like a younger person and for many they might live alone after the death of their partner .
     
  6. Propertunity

    Propertunity Well-Known Member

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  7. qak

    qak Well-Known Member

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    It doesn't seem that any conclusion was reached in the previous thread?

    Apart from the strata case where it was going to cost the strata $42K for renovations & $10K compo :confused:. Seems unfair to me though, I wonder if there were any grounds for appeal.

    In the absence of any clearer determinations, I think I would be asking whether it is 'required' due to a disability; you can then either consent, or advise the property is not suitable and suggest the tenant look elsewhere and let them break lease at no cost to them.
     
  8. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Yes you have a choice.
    But don't see why you wouldn't. Anything that keeps a tenant in the property longer is usually a good investment versus cost of vacancy / reletting etc. And if its at their cost that's even better :)
     
  9. Mel Morgan

    Mel Morgan Sydney Property Manager Business Member

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    I don't think bathroom rails detract from the functionality and appeal for future tenants, and anything that makes a property feel like 'home' for a tenant is a good thing because they will stay longer.

    If they want more rails/aids installed around the house, then just request that the walls be returned to original condition at their cost when the tenancy ends.
     
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  10. MyPropertyPro

    MyPropertyPro REBAA Buyer's Agents Sutherland Shire & Surrounds Business Member

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    If it is being paid for by some type of health services provider it is probably fair to assume that they have gone through a process and deemed to require some support or assistance.

    Particularly when those items make living much easier for them. There is more hesitance to move as they will either have to find a property set up for them already or more than likely have to go through the process of requesting and making modifications again.

    - Luke
     
  11. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    All of these factors are true however what hasnt been mentioned is that rails and handles always leave holes etc when removed. And this makes the property a lot more uglier/unattractive

    I've had a few requests, and let them do it at their cost however since my properties weren't brand new.

    However a new property i would decline
     
    Last edited: 4th May, 2019
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  12. marmot

    marmot Well-Known Member

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    But wouldn't it just make the property more appealing to older people , or would you rather let it out to young people or families with young children running around everywhere.
    Id know who I would rather have in a rental.
     
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  13. hematite

    hematite Well-Known Member

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    In this case I would say yes, as these holes can be patched and painted if they do decide to leave.
     
  14. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    Obviously it depends on the area, but I rarely have elderly/disabled tenants, most of my tenants are younger, and seeing all these disabled handles etc. does turn them off
     
  15. Angel

    Angel Well-Known Member

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    If the rails are screwed into a regular plastered or painted wall, eg next to the toilet, then yes the holes can be easily repaired. But if they drill through wall tiles in the shower, then the waterproofing behind the tiles can be damaged. Matching tiles will probably not be available. Yuck. I don't imagine there will be much chance of any govt agency, or relative of the person, repairing this correctly once these tenants eventually leave.

    My elderly Mum has a few rails installed by DVA. She owns the unit and we dont care about the tiles, the bathroom will likely be renovated after she is no longer there. We have removed the shower screen and she sits on a chair inside the shower space to wash herself, if this is any help.

    However - once you make these adjustments to a home, it will be highly-sort after by the next generation of tenants whose landlords refuse to allow them to drill through wall tiles. Think of a potential niche.
     
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  16. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    I feel a little differently about grab rails since my daughter (age 38) slipped in the shower and broke a bone in her foot. Three months in a moon boot then extensive physio.

    Not all grab rails are those ugly thick chrome bars.

    I would insist on input into the type of rails installed, even paying the difference for more attractive ones. I have seen some that double as towel rails, and some for the shower that incorporate a shelf for shampoos and soap.
    Marg
     
    Last edited: 4th May, 2019
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  17. Tom Rivera

    Tom Rivera Property Manager Business Member

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    Key questions here;
    - What sort of property is it? Something renovated or more modern in which rails would significantly detract from the aesthetics?
    - Can the rails be easily removed if necessary? As has been mentioned, removing them from tiles is a pain, but plaster is easy enough.
    - What type of rails are they? If you've got a modern home and they put chunky cream 80's rails in, you'll probably be annoyed, but what if they're a nice looking rail?
    - What sort of tenant are they? How much do you appreciate their tenancy and are they likely to stay for a long time.
     
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  18. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    The modern rails are combined with shelves etc and are very attractive.
     

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