Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Kelly (CA) on August 3, 2012 @20:29

Before my tenants moved in, they did a final walk through. They didn't say anything about my kitchen cabinets. Yes the cabinets are old (~20 years). But they're still in good shape and there's some discoloration. 2 weeks after they moved in they wanted us to either change the kitchen cabinets for them or resurface them because they look dirty. I first said yes. But now i think about it.. it's just some cosmetic things, why should I do it and spend money to meet their cosmetic needs? I am thinking about telling them I won't do it. Do you think I should still do it because I originally said yes? Thanks.

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Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by NY-LL on August 3, 2012 @20:55	[ Reply ]

The kitchen and bathroom and other household surfaces that “look dirty” generally are dirty. Chances are the range oven hood filter needs to be replaced in order to better remove particles during normal cooking use. There are cleaners specifically for the purpose of dirt and oil removal from household surfaces which can be purchased from the hardware store. Once the kitchen cabinet surfaces are cleaned, the surfaces should be lightly sanded then varnished … (not an proponent of color paint on wooden surfaces).

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous on August 3, 2012 @20:56	[ Reply ]

You can tell them you changed your mind...maybe buy them some orange glow? You might also say that you will do it in a year when they have demonstrated good care of property and on time rent assuming they would want to renew.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Sam (ca) on August 3, 2012 @21:11	[ Reply ]

Didn't they see the place before signing the lease? I don't like that kind of last minute strong-arming. I agree with the above poster. I'd say, Ill consider it, but only if the rent is paid with a perfect record for the first year. Otherwise, Ill have it done for the next people.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous on August 3, 2012 @21:21	[ Reply ]

" I first said yes" You gave your word that you would do it! If you do not, the tenants will always remember how you lied about the cabinets. Do you want to start off this relationship as a landlord who does not keep there word and promises! You should have told them you will consider it, but now it's your word that, that you want to go back on that's important.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Jake on August 3, 2012 @21:53	[ Reply ]

If you agreed to it then do it.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous on August 4, 2012 @01:56	[ Reply ]

The way out of saying yes and then changing you mind is that after consideration and crunching the numbers, your budget doesn't support your doing this right now...you're very sorry, you thought you had more ready capital to do this, yada yada The tenants sound very bossy.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by jannie (IL) on August 4, 2012 @09:49	[ Reply ]

Your tenants will next be wanting the bedroom painted, new shower head, different this different & that. Changing cabinets is an expense &impact the T use of kitchen. If they looked so terrible why didn't they ask about that at lease signing. They saw how they were. I would tell them (if you are married or have a partner). I hadn't consulted with X and we are not able to resurface the cabinets at this time. And, if they are just dirty --- why not clean them? Next time they want something - say I need to think about it.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous on August 4, 2012 @10:48	[ Reply ]

While replacing cabinets is more expensive, resurfacing isn't at all cheap. Depending on the material you are going to be using, the size of the kitchen and the condition of the old cabinets, you are looking at thousands of dollars. If you want them to be real wood, it's going to run near $10,000 according to google searches. It's also pretty time consuming. Conservative estimates are about 3 days with over 4 days if it's a complicated job. If there is merely discoloration and the varnish is dulled out, you might just want to sand them down and restain them. Once again, it's a time consuming and smelly process which would be best done when the unit is vacant or the tenants are on a week or two week vacation out of the home because most likely they will not have full access to the kitchen in order to cook.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Betty L on August 4, 2012 @11:31	[ Reply ]

Yes, you gave your word. How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot and the landlord lied to you? You must realized that the tenant has had time to really look at the cabinets now, and found that they are in poor condition. Why would the tenants bring it up, if the cabinets were not. The cost of refinishing or painting the cabinets is a small cost now, compared to the time you will be vacant when they move out. You have told them yes,and they have accepted that you will do it. Now keep your word! The cost of refinishing or painting will be less than being vacant for a month or more. You decide if you want to face a tenant that you lied to about the cabinets being painted for the next year or you want a tenant that enjoys the rental and would renew their lease for another year, there by reducing your cost of finding a new tenant.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Mark on August 4, 2012 @12:26	[ Reply ]

If I was the tenant, I'd be wondering what else you lied about? You gave your word that you would paint the cabinets, why would you say yes if they did not need it? You have seen the cabinets more often then the new tenants have. You should know what condition they are in! Why didn't you take care of the discoloration before hand?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous on August 4, 2012 @13:02	[ Reply ]

My cabinets are SIXTY TWO YEARS OLD and they are in fine shape. They are made of pine and have a couple coats of paint on them. We've changed out the hinges but the hardware is original. Just because something is old and has some discoloration does not mean they need to be updated or upgraded. What caused the discoloration? A paint job might be in order. Be sure you do the prep work properly and then paint them properly too. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Anonymous (MD) on August 4, 2012 @15:09	[ Reply ]

I think all the posts that said "yes you should change the cabinets for them and if you don't, you're a liar" were from tenants, not LL. I don't think she needs to change/upgrade the cabinets for them even they look old and "dirty". The tenants should have seen that at final walk through. That means the cabinets are not that bad. These tenants are just needy. They want your attention all the time. And they want to pay the same money but live in a "brand new and upgraded" house. I would say no, don't paint it for them. You can do it after they move out. People like these most likely are not going to take care of your house, and you need some "clean ups" after they move out anyways. Don't waste money on this kind of tenants. Just tell them your budge does not allow it.

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them?

Re: Should I paint the cabinets for them? by Kelly (CA) on August 4, 2012 @18:39	[ Reply ]

Thanks for all your responses. After reading all the suggestions, we decided to keep our words to repaint the cabinets for them. Thanks again!