NSW Flyscreens

Tenant has requested that I get flyscreens installed as there are insects. My previous tenant didn’t have this issue.

Given that when they were aware there was no flyscreens at the property, what are my obligations for this?

I am of the understanding this is not cheap and also doesn’t look very nice.

 

From what you’ve described, sounds like the request is an improvement = at your discretion and not obligated to comply with their request.

 

I agree with Michael Mitchell, however I have always acted on tenants' requests for fly screens as having fly screens will encourage them to keep their windows open more often, thus reducing mould in the house.

 

They said their kid has allergies to insects. While I’m empathetic and want to accommodate the request they should have considered that when signing up the lease. I had to reduce the rent by over $100 per week due to the bad rental market, to spend on improvements at this time isn’t ideal.

Agent says if I don’t do it, I may be liable if their kid has a reaction. Is that true?

 

Don't see how you could be liable when the property didn't have fly screens to begin with / when they moved in.

 

fly screens not mandatory,
maybe if you lived in an area thats mosquito heaven, maybe more of an argument

they knew their kid had allergies, they should have asked

as #michaelmitchell says, its an improvement, its totally up to you

 

Not mandatory but are a worth doing kinda thing.

 

I have insect allergies too, and would never rent a place without fly screens. That said, if your tenants are from a country where insects are much less of a problem (NZ or England, perhaps), they might not have realised the importance of fly screens before they moved into a place without them.

 

Flyscreens are an important element of any window assuming a window is intended to be open or closed (even both!). Depending on numbers of windows and height etc the cost may not be significant for basic mesh screens esp if the window frames are aluminium. There are specialist small traders who do this and they will be far cheaper than the big name companies. Screens are a bit like clotheslines and letterboxes. Everyone needs them and really expect them to be there.

In Australian mosquito's etc can result in tropical illnesses and nasty bites. That could lead to a tenant claim. If a bee / wasp is evident they may smack you up for pest control.

IMO I would consider enhancing the property

 

Flyscreens can be fitted internally or externally if they spoil a property appearance. Vary between very discrete and heavy security mesh style. Retractable, magnetic, etc.

 

Get asked for them very commonly here, because they were compulsory here (up until very recently)

 

They aren't that expensive though it could add up if you have many windows or decide to do doors.

I agree with the comment that it is good as it encourages ventilation which is only a good thing.

However whilst not mandatory for you to do, trade off for a little more rent is win win.

You might find that a house with these little additions is easier to rent. There is no way I'd rent a house without flyscreens.

 

I am a fan of getting flyscreens put in, when vacancy rolls around some tenants will specifically look for screens, especially if there's no aircon, so its a way to reduce vacancy and keep current tenants happy.

If its a Sydney property, send me a PM, I have a good contact who can do screens very affordably. I was quoted $275 to do some maintenance to a screen door and he did it for me for $55.

 

If it's a bad rental market, then it's probably a good idea to try and keep good tenants (assuming they're good and this isn't one request in a long line of them...). Even if you put in a few selective screens it will meet the tenant half way?

 

Whilst renting a place a number of yrs ago I requested a fly screen for the kitchen only.

Was prepared to argue the case as the range hood did not have ducting to the outside.

Window guy came in asked me which windows I would like measured. Got 4 made up, for other rooms, and paid for without dispute from the LL.

Stayed there for a number of yrs...

 

At your discretion......but you should really do it.

I know it sucks having to reduce your rent but having a tenant move out at the end of the lease because of insects is going to cost you more......

Think long term and be a better investor.

 

Thanks everyone

Really? How is that possible? It’s like saying I’m going to put a claim in because my car got broken into when parking in the garage

How can you ask for more rent if you have already got a lease with them?

 

You could do it over email or on the phone. It is probably not necessary to ask them in person.