If you’re a landlord or property manager, your lease agreements should include a clear description of what sort of decorating and alterations your tenants are allowed to do.

A recent survey by Apartments.com revealed that 90 percent of renters of will decorate when moving to a new apartment. (Click here to read the news release about the survey from Apartments.com.) It’s likely that a good portion of this decorating will be concentrated on the tenants’ own furnishings, but it might include paint, wallpaper, wall hangings, and other changes to the unit that may or may not meet your approval.

You’ll avoid problems if you’re clear on the rules upfront. You may, for example, allow paint with color approval first. Or you may allow hanging art or even small appliances in the kitchen on the walls with the understanding that tenants must fill the holes on moving (or pay a fee if they don’t). In multi-unit buildings, you might want to stipulate that window coverings must present a uniform look from the exterior.

The rules are up to you—the key is to make sure everyone knows what they are.

Jackie