Renting flat on SZR - Can I put in a new kitchen? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Renting flat on SZR - Can I put in a new kitchen?

52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 11:31

Hello,
I am looking at flats on SZR in some of the older buildings. They are so very nice and location is perfect, but the kitchens are sorely lacking. I was thinking that at the low rents I'm seeing for these places, I would be willing to remodel/re-do/upgrade the kitchen myself, but I'm not sure how building owners feel about this. Of course, the new kitchen would be his when I move out (minus my white goods of course). Has anyone ever done something like that or heard of someone who has? Considering I need to bring the white goods with me anyway, the amount of money I save on rent would permit a decent kitchen upgrade, especially if I want to live there for a few years. Is it a crazy idea??

379
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 13:16
I can't imagine why you would want to do this. You have nothing to gain from this and your landlord would stand to gain a lot. He can kick you out of the place at any time and then he will be able to rent it out for more and you would be out a lot of money. There are no guarantees that he would let you rent the place for several years and once you've put your own money into renovating the kitchen, therefore increasing the value of the apartment, why would he want you to stay? Much "safer" to invest your renovation money into a place that you own, otherwise, keep house hunting for a more suitable apartment with an acceptable kitchen. My thoughts exactly. There is no guarantee that one will be living in an apartment for as long as they wish. You are there for as long as the landlord let's you - which is on a year to year basis.
232
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:21
Make sure that you get approval in writing from the owner and have this attached to your registered lease.. there are some shockers out there who will say that the apartment must be left in exactly the same condition just so they can keep your deposit and go after you. Also secure a long term lease as they may simply bump the rent up and move you on after your tennancy period... ;)
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:09
I can't imagine why you would want to do this. You have nothing to gain from this and your landlord would stand to gain a lot. He can kick you out of the place at any time and then he will be able to rent it out for more and you would be out a lot of money. There are no guarantees that he would let you rent the place for several years and once you've put your own money into renovating the kitchen, therefore increasing the value of the apartment, why would he want you to stay? Much "safer" to invest your renovation money into a place that you own, otherwise, keep house hunting for a more suitable apartment with an acceptable kitchen.
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 11:55
A friend of mine did it in a home in Al Barsha. Her kitchen is spectacular and she said with the cost of the new kitchen she is still paying less for her home than she did at the previous one. And of course that's just one year's rent difference. Because of her I'm going to be doing just that in our new apartment in Tecom. I'm actually on here today looking for a reputable cabinet maker/seller/installer to hopefully get this done by move in day.
 
 

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