Renting a property to get to know the area before committing to purchase is a wise move. Depending on the length of time you are renting, whether you’re in Mexico or in your country, wanting to improve your living space can depend on several elements. In no special order they are: the length of your stay, the current condition of the item(s) you want to upgrade/replace, and the severity of the situation – reflecting on the livability of the home or condo. Some landlords are more than willing to work with their tenants and then there are ones who are hesitant.
Here are a few suggestions that might help when you need something repaired or replaced. It is not always what you say, but how you say it. Let’s assume that your refrigerator is old and not working very well. Let’s imagine that it’s not keeping your food and beverages very cold or making weird noises. You know it is going out soon and you don’t want to get caught off guard.
Consider approaching your landlord in this manner:
- “Hello Mr. (Mrs.) Smith, I would like to bring an important issue to your attention. The refrigerator is not operating in a normal manner. I think we need to investigate it before a small problem turns into a large one. To save time and money, we need to look at replacing this older and failing device before it becomes an immediate issueâ€.
- “I would like to bring to your attention the refrigerator (device) that could potentially create a discomforting situationâ€
- “I would like to inform you of a potential issue that could cause a lot of problemsâ€.
The above phrases are just suggestions that you can modify or rephrase to accommodate your certain situation and/or need to replace an appliance. You would approach this situation in the same manner if it were an air-conditioner, TV or ceiling fan. Don’t be afraid to express your concern on an improvement(s) that will save money if you address the problem now. No one really wants to pay more later for something that will cost less now!
If you are looking at improving the interior’s appearance, you might have to absorb some of the cost. This would most likely be in the form of labor and/or physical work. These improvements would include painting, replacing ceiling fans, window treatments, and any other such items. The landlord might offer to buy the materials, but it will be your responsibility to install or put forth the effort to install or apply the materials.
There are certain upgrades that can be made when necessities become a problem
For example, kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower heads and/or any related plumbing issues. This can be a perfect time to ask for upgraded items. Request or bringing to the landlord’s attention when these items start showing first signs of trouble.
Probably one of the most difficult upgrades or changes you what to make would be furniture, wall art and/or visual entertainment – Television or stereo. If you feel the need to ask your landlord to upgrade any or all of these items, don’t be surprised if such a request becomes your own expense. However, you never know what a landlord might say. It is an investment for them in keeping their short or long-term renters happy. How you present your request is the key to success.
Moreover, remember these ideas will be useful for you as well when you become an owner and start renting your property. If you haven’t started to check out properties, please contact us! We’ll be happy to help you find your dream house in the Riviera Maya.
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… We make it happen!
