Can my landlord dictate how I should renovate the apartment?
December 11, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Emma Richter
Dear lawyer,
my name is Fanni Hausdorf and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding rental law. I am a tenant of an apartment and have recently received a request from my landlord to renovate my apartment. He has specifically outlined which works I should carry out and which materials I must use.
I am somewhat concerned about these instructions, as I am unsure if my landlord has the right to provide me with such detailed renovation requirements. I have always taken care of the apartment and regularly carried out minor renovation works, but I now feel overwhelmed and patronized by these new instructions.
My worry is that I may have to bear the costs of the renovation works that should actually be the landlord's responsibility. Additionally, I am questioning whether my landlord even has the right to give me such specific instructions and whether I actually have to carry out these renovation works in order to continue living in my apartment.
Can you please tell me if my landlord is allowed to dictate how I should renovate the apartment? Are there legal limits for such instructions from the landlord? What options do I have to resist these renovation requirements and what can I do to protect my rights as a tenant?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Fanni Hausdorf
Dear Ms. Hausdorf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the renovation regulations imposed by your landlord. It is understandable that you are concerned and feel patronized by the detailed instructions given to you by your landlord. Indeed, there are clear legal limits to such renovation regulations by the landlord, and it is important that you know and protect your rights as a tenant.
In general, the landlord is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the rental property, including necessary renovation work to maintain the contractual condition of the apartment. As a tenant, you are primarily responsible for carrying out cosmetic repairs specified in your lease agreement.
While your landlord can specify which work must be done during cosmetic repairs, he must adhere to certain limits. The renovation work must be reasonable and proportionate. Therefore, if your landlord imposes excessively detailed or costly renovation regulations that go beyond the usual cosmetic repairs, you can have them legally reviewed.
To resist unreasonable renovation regulations, I recommend that you first have a conversation with your landlord and express your concerns. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can seek assistance from a tenants' association or a lawyer specializing in rental law to assess your rights and potentially take legal action.
It is important that you keep all communication with your landlord in writing and carefully store all documents, such as the lease agreement, any agreements, and letters from your landlord. This way, you can better defend your position in case of a dispute over the renovation regulations.
In summary, while your landlord can impose renovation regulations on you, they must be reasonable and proportionate. If you have doubts about the legality of the requirements, I recommend seeking legal advice to protect your rights.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Emma Richter
Lawyer specializing in rental law
