Changing the flooring in your apartment is not something that you should try to do without first contacting your landlord. This can be a major violation of your lease.
It is also possible to damage your property while you are replacing the flooring. This is especially true if you have any sort of acoustic insulation installed within the property.
Type of Lease
If you’re renting an apartment, then chances are the type of lease that you have will have a large impact on your living conditions. There are a few different types of leases, and it’s important to know them so that you can negotiate what you want before signing the agreement.
Most residential leases are standard, and usually last from one to 10 years. These leases typically have a monthly rental amount, an expiration date, and rights and obligations for the landlord and tenant.
The type of lease you have can have a significant impact on your living situation, as well as your finances. You should make sure to know the terms of your lease before you sign it, and don’t be afraid to ask for more information if you feel like you’re getting taken advantage of.
There are many different ways to structure a lease, and the terms that are included can vary widely from property to property. Here are some common types of leases:
Modified gross leasing – This lease type allows both tenants and landlords to pay a monthly rent fee that includes base rent, plus a portion of operating costs, which can include utilities, maintenance, security, janitorial fees, and common area maintenance.
A gross lease is generally the cheapest option for both parties. It is also a popular choice for those who are looking for a low-stress relationship with their landlord.
Double net leasing – This type of lease makes the tenant responsible for paying their share of property taxes and insurance. It is not uncommon for landlords to take over the responsibility of paying for property taxes, though they can still retain their own responsibilities for the maintenance of the property.
Triple net leasing – This is another common lease type that involves paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses on top of your base rent. Landlords will often help with repairs to the building’s roof, exterior and interior maintenance, and structural problems.
You should also consider whether or not the lease you have is month-to-month. These leases come with some advantages, but also a few disadvantages. For example, it’s less likely that you’ll be able to get a new tenant if your current one decides to move out at the end of your lease term.
Permitted Improvements
When a tenant is living in an apartment, it can be a good idea to make some home improvements to improve the space. This could be as simple as adding a new light fixture or replacing a ceiling fan. If the landlord approves of the work, it generally is not a violation of the lease agreement.
However, if you want to make more permanent changes to the apartment, such as installing hardwood flooring, you should check with your landlord first. This is because most leases prohibit home improvement alterations without the landlord’s permission. If you do not have the landlord’s permission, you can be charged with a breach of the lease and evicted for making these types of alterations.
The most common reasons that tenants make home improvements are to improve the space or change the decor. This can be a great way to increase the value of your property and make it more attractive for future buyers.
While some renovations do not require permits, there are many that do. These include plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, fencing, foundations, decks, porches, roofing, and major remodeling projects.
Getting a permit is not always easy, but it is necessary for most construction projects. It will save you time and money in the long run, as well as protect your home from liability.
There are also times when a building office will allow for expedited permits, such as when you are having major plumbing or electrical work done, if you have a serious emergency, or if the work is needed quickly to avoid a disaster. The rules about which types of improvements need a permit vary from region to region, so it is important to ask before a project starts.
If a tenant makes unauthorized improvements, it is important to send them a warning that the home improvement was made without permission and that they should immediately stop doing so. In this notice, it is also a good idea to state the consequences for doing so and what will be expected of them should they choose to do further improvements in violation of the lease.
Licensing to Alter
If you want to change the flooring in your apartment, you will need to ensure that you obtain a licence to alter. Having a licence to alter is essential and will help protect your leasehold property from damage or loss in the future.
The majority of residential leases contain a clause in which the tenant must obtain the consent of the landlord before they can make any alterations to their property. This may be referred to as an ‘absolute covenant’ or a ‘qualified covenant’ depending on the type of lease.
As part of the process of obtaining permission to carry out the works, a tenant will usually need to produce plans, specifications and drawings detailing the proposed alterations. These will need to be accompanied by appropriate calculations where necessary.
Once all of the details have been submitted to the Landlord’s surveyor, the application will be reviewed and a formal Licence to Alter will be prepared by solicitors on behalf of the Landlord. This will require the signature of both parties and a security deposit payment before the work can start.
Often, the application for the Licence to Alter will also be subject to other relevant approvals such as planning permission or building regulations consent. These may be required before any construction work starts and will help to avoid any unnecessary delays in the project.
If the application is successful, a formal Licence to Alter will usually be issued in the form of a license deed or letter licence. The granting of this permission is a legally binding document and it will be important to ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is provided.
For example, a licence to alter will need to include the details of how the work will be carried out and how it will affect any other tenants who share the same building. The license will also need to contain details of the cost of the works, including any professional fees and additional insurance premiums that will be incurred by the landlord as a result of carrying out the alterations.
Wood Flooring
One of the most beautiful and luxurious floor types available is wood. It adds elegance and style to any apartment, and can complement just about any decor.
It’s a popular choice for homeowners and rental property managers alike because of its durability and value-adding qualities. It’s also an eco-friendly option that improves indoor air quality and stores carbon during its service life.
However, like most things in life, wood flooring needs a little bit of TLC to keep it looking its best. This includes understanding how it changes from season to season and knowing the best ways to protect your floors from moisture, especially in cold weather.
For instance, a boot tray at the entrance to your home will help keep your feet dry in the fall and winter. Likewise, you should always wipe up any spills immediately and use a damp mop on your floors to prevent mold from growing.
Additionally, you should consider how you want your floors to look in each room of your apartment before choosing a new flooring type. This can be a big decision, so it’s worth bringing in a pro to give you expert guidance on your options.
Another consideration is how your floors will be able to handle the demands of your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, for example, you’ll want to choose a wood floor that’s strong enough to withstand their paws and claws.
In addition, you should be aware that hardwood floors can easily become warped if moisture gets trapped beneath them. It’s also important to choose a species that can take a lot of wear and tear without showing signs of cracking or splitting.
Finally, if you’re installing an engineered hardwood floor, make sure the manufacturer requires sound insulation between the subfloor and the wood planks (check your building’s alteration agreement).
Wood floors are a great investment for your home or apartment, but it can be hard to know how to care for them. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that your floors stay beautiful and pristine. It’s also a good idea to consider how your wood floor may change from season to season, so you can avoid damage and keep your home looking its best.