I heard from our landlords yesterday about our flat. Apparently they're planning to do some minor maintenance and painting sometime soon. We knew something was up because the management company had been sending around contractors for estimates -- we let them come in with keys while we're at work. They want to "redecorate" the living room and the bedroom, which basically means repainting and repairing some hairline cracks in the ceiling in both places.
The landlords didn't even realize the Russians -- our erstwhile upstairs neighbors -- had moved out, and they've been gone seven months! I guess they're not in touch very much, even though they jointly own the building.
Anyway, we'll see where all this leads. My chief question, of course, is where to put all the houseplants when we've got painters and equipment in the flat. I guess everything will live in the dining room.
Otherwise, yesterday was nothing special.
I hope they wait with the work until spring, so that windows can be kept open to let the paint dry. Also, maybe that would allow you to move some of the plants outdoors instead of having to shift everything around inside.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun time ahead!
ReplyDeleteIt is very good that the owners care enough about the property and their tenants to keep up with maintenance.
ReplyDeleteValid points, Librarian and Andrew.
ReplyDeleteVOCs from paint won't do you or your plants any good
I know that some of your readers struggle with the English language so I thought I would help them out by providing the definition of "perfunctory" which is not a word that crops up very much these days.
ReplyDeleteperfunctory - an action done as a routine duty, without real interest, care, or enthusiasm; it's superficial, hasty, and mechanical, like a "perfunctory nod" or "perfunctory check" that shows a lack of attention or feeling. It describes something done just to get it over with, fulfilling an obligation rather than with genuine effort or thought.
I've never once in my life had landlords that took it upon themselves to upgrade and improve things while I was living there. Most of my landlords were cheap asses who did as little as they could get away with! Haha. Obviously, you have much nicer digs than I ever did! :)
ReplyDeleteI have lived in a few apartments in my earlier years and not one of them had an ounce of maintenance done to them that wasn't because something was broke, during my tenancy in them. Since all looked pristine when I moved in, I assumed they just did all those sorts of things between renters and not while some were living there. I guess that is a sign they value you and Dave since they are willing to do some of that while you are still there.
ReplyDeleteThat'll be nice in the end -- but I hear you on the plants. I'm having duct work done in February and have to find all the air vents and radiators. The radiators not so hard. But some of the vents are behind large bookcases or china cabinets that can't be moved without dumping the whole lot. And where do you put it? I hope they give you good notice!
ReplyDeletebit early for decorating, paint will take longer to dry and airing will make it chilly, you will be inconvenienced, Spring is better.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed they didn't know the other owners had moved out. Absentee in that sense even if they're attending to the cosmetics. Unless the decorating precedes a raise in the rent..
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was that they were getting ready to sell?? Hopefully it's just a case of maintaining the property.
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't envy you. I really do hate that kind of upheaval even though I know it's for the best.
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose they are getting ready to raise your rent? That's usually how it works out!
ReplyDeleteNot a pleasant prospect but I'm sure you'll be happy with the results. You do have very conscientious landlords.
ReplyDeleteWill you have any choice of colour?
ReplyDeleteIt's good that renovations will be done even if it is a major upset for a while.
ReplyDeleteSounds like they are getting the place ready for the market. It does seem odd that they are fixing it up and you haven't even asked them to.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you have attentive owners to their property. Hopefully you'll have some input on color though I imagine they will justrepaint the same color. Would be horrible if they decided to change it to something like orange.
ReplyDeleteMoving stuff around for painting is a hassle, but it does look nice and fresh when it's finished.
ReplyDeleteHome improvements are always a good thing.... once they’re done. You seem to have good landlords. Can’t believe they co-own the building and weren’t even informed that the other owners had moved.
ReplyDeletePainting makes a nice refresh. Do you get to pick out the paint color?
ReplyDelete