This image courtesy of FB page KMart Unhacks & Roasts 

House renovating is a popular pastime, but when crafty tenants conduct cheap, poorly planned renovations in a rental home, the damage can be costly. 

Renovation by Tenants: What Could Go Wrong?

While some renovations by tenants may be thoughtfully planned and carefully executed, adding value to your property, others may create a mess that is painstaking and costly to clean up. 

To get an idea of what’s possible, one only has to spend a few minutes scrolling the Facebook page, Kmart Unhacks and Roasts. 

For example, this creative idea to liven up an old staircase looks cheap, polarising and would require wallpaper removal, sanding and varnishing to restore.



Similarly, this indoor jungle – soothing for some, deadly for others – is likely to cause a multi-layered cityscape of black mould on and under the feature. With enough time, the mould can penetrate the wall and require extensive remediation and renovations.

Your Rights as a Landlord

Claiming damages from tenants in Western Australia can be a complex process, revolving around whether a written tenancy agreement exists, the terms of the agreement and whether the landlord gave the tenant permission to renovate. 

In order to claim damages, you will have to establish whether the damage was caused wilfully, was accidental or can be attributed to wear and tear. 

It is advisable to take as many photos as possible and inform the tenant that you’ve discovered damage to the property as soon as possible. If they claim they are not liable or responsible, it is advisable to get legal advice before proceeding further. 

Quick Solutions to Quickly Return Your Property to a Rentable State

If you’re facing a DIY decorating disaster, the most effective and least stressful way to deal with it is to engage professional help. A professional painting company experienced in tricky house painting and decorating jobs will be able to assess the damage and suggest the best solution for repair.

Professional house painter Stephen Cochrane of AJ Cochrane and Sons, recommends speaking with a professional before trying to go it alone. 

‘With over 90 years’ experience as house painters in Perth, if it’s out there, we’ve seen it!’ says Stephen. 

‘We’ve worked with landlords from the beginning phases of a repair, which tends to go more smoothly than if we’re called in when an attempted patch job is added to the list of complications. If you’re facing a DIY mess, stop what you’re doing and get some advice from a professional!’