Tenant Requesting Unauthorized Modifications

The lease agreement clearly states that the tenant is not permitted to make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the property without the landlord's prior written consent. It also specifies that any unauthorized alterations will be the tenant's responsibility to remove and restore the property to its original condition at their own expense. It doesn't explicitly mention specific items like paint colors or fixtures, but the general clause covers these types of modifications.

We haven't had any specific discussions about property improvements or their responsibilities beyond the general understanding that they are responsible for keeping the property clean and reporting maintenance issues. They haven't proactively asked about making changes before, so this is the first time we're encountering this type of request. I've always assumed they would maintain the property as is, or at least ask before making significant alterations.

The property is in good condition, recently painted with neutral colors (a light beige/off-white) and has standard, functional fixtures. My concerns about the dark paint are that it's a drastic departure from the neutral palette, which is generally more appealing to a wider range of potential renters. It could also be a sign of poor quality paint application. Regarding new fixtures, I'm worried about the tenant potentially damaging the plumbing or electrical systems during installation, or installing fixtures that are not up to code or are of poor quality, leading to future maintenance issues. I also don't want the property to look like a patchwork of different styles.

Yes, there are specific reasons. Dark paint colors can be very difficult to cover up with a lighter color later, potentially requiring multiple coats of primer and paint, which is an added expense and labor for me. It can also make the space feel smaller and less appealing to future tenants. For new fixtures, my concern is the quality of the installation and the fixture itself. If they install cheap fixtures that break or are installed incorrectly, I'll be responsible for repairs or replacements. I also want to maintain a consistent aesthetic throughout the property, and random new fixtures might clash with the existing style.

My desired outcome is to maintain the property's condition and value, ensure any changes are reversible or professionally done, and avoid disputes. Ideally, I want to reach a compromise where the tenant can make some cosmetic changes that enhance the property without negatively impacting it, or at least without incurring significant costs for me to restore it later. I also want to establish clear boundaries for future requests.