What rights do tenants have in regards to making alterations to their rental units?
Tenants in the District of Columbia have certain rights when it comes to making alterations to their rental units. These rights are governed by the District of Columbia Landlord and Tenant Law. Generally speaking, tenants may make minor alterations to their rental unit, such as hanging shelves, without obtaining prior approval from the landlord. However, tenants must receive the landlord’s written consent for any major alterations, such as installing additional windows or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. Furthermore, the Tenant may be obligated to restore the unit to its original condition if required by the landlord. The landlord may set specific requirements and restrictions regarding renovations and alterations, such as requiring the contractor to obtain a building permit or limiting the contractor to be from the District of Columbia. Likewise, tenants may be required to reimburse the landlord for any damage they cause or repairs that are needed beyond normal wear and tear. Furthermore, most landlords require that alterations or renovations be completed within a reasonable period of time. Finally, tenants in the District of Columbia should be aware that they may be liable for any alterations they make that are deemed unsafe. As such, tenants should ensure that any renovations or alterations they undertake are completed in accordance with safety regulations. Additionally, tenants should obtain written confirmation from the landlord that any alterations they make are permitted.
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