QLD Tenat requests to build a shed

Hello dear PCrs,

We bought a small cottage and moved there. Loving it so far. As a result we rented out our house and the tenant been there for 3ish months. They are OK tenants.

They requested to build a shed, at their own expense. And I am wonder what should we do? Part of me is happy for them to do so. But mom is saying it could be a nightmare as it is their property, so if they move out I cant do anything with it until they take it...

Is it usually fine to let them build it? What would be your response?

Thank you,

 

Is council approval required or is it an exempt development?
Let them show you the plans before you give approval. Make sure it has the right boundary offsets. What colour will it be? What style - will it detract from the original cottage already there?
Who is building it? What qualifications do they have?
Ask what their plans are in relation to the shed, if they were to move in the future - leave in situ or disassemble and take with them? Is it on a slab? .....and so on......

 

I would say no.

 

First I would be asking - What do they need it for?
Secondly I wouldn't trust them building it themselves, well the concrete slab at least, unless they are builder by trade.
Thirdly, if you paid for it, would it be deductible expense?

 

What size shed?

I rent. I built a small shed 8 slabs and a small garden shed for the mower. I will either leave it or remove it when I go. The area I placed it was bare ground to start with so would leave as I found it.

 

Thank you all for the reply. They indicated they want to put a slab. And a shed on top of it if I approve. I will ask PM to request they provide dimensions/plan of the shed, what it is made of and qualifications of the tenant.

 

I had a similar request previously except the tenant wanted me to pay for it lol. Unsurprisingly, I said no

 

Depends on what type and size of shed. Aldi and Bunnings sell tiny ones for storing bikes or a lawnmower.

A shed doesn’t need a slab - they can put down a wooden floor or just lay pavers on the earth - like I did with my own shed (perfectly usable and 100% removable).

I would say yes to them - as long as you get an agreement on the size, floor and removal when they leave.

 

Our neighbours are renters, they put in a slab and a shed.
Not sure if they got permission, I'd assume so.
I'd be interested to know what happens when they move too.

 

Thank you for your replies. Yes, it speaks good for them that they asked. But I am sure a slab with a shed would have been picked up during an inspection.

They pointed out that they want to pour a slab and have the shed on top of it.

I am leaning towards letting the PM decide if it is OK or not. Providing the answer the following questions (as kindly pointed by @Propertunity) :

1. What will be the dimensions of the shed and slab?
2. What their plans are in relation to the shed, if they were to move in the future - leave in situ or disassemble and take with them?
3. Who is pouring the slab?
   
4. What qualifications do they have?

Also not to forget about boundary offsets... gosh

 

I believe that in some parts of Qld they do need slabs and they need to be cyclone rated.

 

If they take the shed out, your left with a concrete slab.

 

The first question is always whether they intend to leave it, or remove, when they vacate. I'm assuming by laying a slab that they probably intend to leave it there.

If it was a quality shed built properly (check this all first) in an appropriate place, I would think that it would add value to the property. Those little shed slabs alone cost anywhere between $800-$1,500 to be put in by contractors- crazy! You just want to make sure it's been done right so you don't end up with a mess to remove in a few years time.

 

Yes. Excellent point. Though how would I know if they will do a good job or not... don’t think there is a way to tell before it is done.

 

It's called a patio!

 

This is really a decision you need to make, not the PM. For requirements, check here:
Building a shed | Brisbane City Council

 

I would probably let them do it. What’s the worse that could happen? You have an ugly slab that you probably can take out using bond money (I assume).

 

I totally agree! PM's come and PM's go, but you as the owner will likely keep the property for a longer term and have to live with the consequences.

 

Will they leave it for you in good order, and with planning permission?
or will they leave it half broken down and a demolition order?
I hope this helps

 

To me it sounds like they may be looking at being long term tenants.
I'd be ok with it provided all questions above are answered and satisfactory.

At least they're not growing their weed in the house..