Tips for renovating on your own
Whether right after moving in or after some time, tenants often want—and are allowed—to renovate their attic, apartment, or house. When planning renovation work, it’s essential to consider a few aspects, as in some cases, approval from the landlord may be required.
What Renovation Tasks Can I Do as a Tenant?
Generally, tenants are allowed to carry out tasks that enhance the appearance of the rental unit or reflect personal preferences in home design. These typically include the following changes, which are usually considered “non-essential” by law:
- Painting and Wallpapering: Painting walls and ceilings or applying wallpaper is one of the most common DIY tasks. This also includes painting doors and door frames.
- Replacing Flooring: Tenants are also allowed to install new carpet, laminate, or vinyl flooring, either to replace outdated flooring or to increase comfort.
- Minor Repairs: Replacing damaged tiles, installing new baseboards, or replacing silicone seals in the bathroom are examples of minor repairs that tenants can handle themselves.
It’s important to note that although these renovation tasks usually don’t require approval, landlords can demand the restoration of the original condition upon moving out. This might apply, for example, if you install new floor tiles or paint the walls in an unconventional color like black.
Which Renovation Tasks Require Approval?
Landlords must always be notified and give their consent if you plan to make significant changes to the rental property. The following are examples of renovation tasks that require approval:
- Structural Changes: Any major structural changes, such as removing or adding walls, always require the landlord’s approval.
- Changes to Fixed Installations: Replacing fixed kitchen units, sanitary installations, or flooring should be discussed with the landlord.
- Color Choices: While painting the walls is generally allowed, very unusual color choices should be discussed with the landlord, as they might require neutral repainting upon moving out.
Landlords can only refuse consent under specific conditions, such as if the building’s structural integrity would be compromised. However, if tenants have a heightened interest in the renovations, such as for health reasons, landlords may not deny approval.
Planning DIY Renovations Properly
Since landlords can insist on correct and professional execution of renovation work, it’s essential to carefully consider which DIY tasks are feasible and when it might be wise to hire a professional contractor. Work involving electrical, plumbing, or heating systems requires specialized knowledge and should not be performed by inexperienced individuals. Additionally, any significant structural changes that might affect the building’s stability should be overseen by experienced architects and craftsmen.
A Partner by Your Side
It’s tempting to save money by doing renovations yourself. However, this only works if you realistically assess your abilities and the time involved. Our experts at BAMBERGER IMMOBILIEN are happy to advise you on your renovation plans and support you with a wide network of service providers in Salzburg and the surrounding areas.