can I take vertical blinds?

[peach]

Hi, Just wanted to know if I can take my vertical blinds and other blinds with me when moving? I heard that if anything is attached to the walls you can not take it with you. So since the brackets are attached to the wall does that mean I have to leave the blinds there too or can I just take the blinds and leave the brackets there?

Peach

 

[LL]

Most states require that you leave any window fixtures that are fastened to the wall. That means the whole blinds.

If you can return the apartment to its original condition, that is original window coverings, no brackets, no holes in the wall, no painting required because of patched holes, then the landlord won't have mucj to complain about, unless there was some kind of agreement.

 

[peach]

Dear LL,

Since these will be new landlords does your answer still apply? I was wondering since these blinds were put up years ago and they did not own the house then, why should they be left on the windows for them. I can see the brackets staying since they are screwed in but the blinds can come out of the brackets they are not attached and I feel since it is not attached to the structure they can be removed. Can you give me your imput on this thank you for your response.

Peach

 

[LL]

Your responsibility is governed by the lease that you signed with a previous owner, not with the new owners.

So, if you received the apartment with window coverings, you would need to put back the old window coverings, plus leave the wall in the same condition that you received it.

It doesn't make much sense to leave the brackets and take the blinds. Did you have window coverings when you got the apartment? Then you have to leave window coverings worth at least as much.

 

[mary hartman]

You can always go to HOME DEPOT or Lowes and get a small can of touch up paint and hole filler, costs less then $10...

Cover the holes and take the blinds...there yours you have a reciept for them, there was nothing in the lease about blinds... you didnt do a move in report...there is no record of any blinds or window coverings being there before you rented the place.. RIGHT????????????

 

[LL]

WRONG.

Aside from the dishonesty of this dope hartman (aka djdj, aka dj1, aka richard, aka loudrich, aka many other names)

Having put them up, you cannot LEAve with no window coverings. Thats the basis of the idea that having attached things to the property, they became part of the property.

The blinds and the brackets belong to the property now, even if you bought them. This jackass by whatever name he uses today, thinks that the lease is everything and that laws don't mean anything.

What I suggested was a way in which the landlord might not object to your taking the blinds. NOT a way for you to get away with something.

This guy will get people into trouble.

[Edited by LL on 05-04-2001 at 11:20 AM]

 

[peach]

Dear LL,

Just wanted you to know that when I moved in 29 years ago there were no coverings on the windows apparently the people who lived there previously took down what they had. I also did not have a lease ever while living here. I can always get brackets in the store I always thought that since anything was attached to the walls etc. that it had to stay fixed there but if it wasn't attached you can take it.The only reason I asked this question is that I am on a fixed income and it would help me out alot to just take the blinds with me and just get new brackets instead of buying a new bunch of blinds. My biggest concern is my verticals I payed alot of money for them and I would like to take all the parts with me just in case the new windows are the same size. The only thing is since the top bar is attached to the house can I take that down. Thanks for your help I appreciate it.

Peach

 

[LL]

Sorry Peach, but the basic rule is:

You installed the blinds, attached to brackets attached to the wall. The blinds then became part of the property owned by the owner. hartman (aka a million other names, for who knows what reason) cannot reason this far. His mind is too small.

Now, you may ask, how can they be his property when you bought them?

What happened is that the blinds, brackets and all, are no longer in the category of personal property. They are now in the category of fixed, immovable property, also called real property. The blinds belong to the real property. The new landlord bought the blinds along with the rest of the real property, regardles of who purchased them.

My suggestion is that you discuss the matter with the landlord. Point out how you will remove the brackets, the holes, everything, even think about providing him with some substitute window coverings, but cheaper ones. Even though, by law, he is entitled to the now-attached blinds, you can try the argument that there were no window coverings when you moved in. See what you can work out with him.

But in the end, the blinds actually belong to him now. If you take them without consent, you are no better than hartman, and he is basically a thief.

 

[crusheroz]

Wow! I justed learned something new. I have always put up my own curtains and drapes. And when we haved moved I just took them down. And I have never had a problem. So I guess it would depend on what your lease states. I personally have not seen that in one of our leases before.

 

[LL]

It doesn't have to be in your lease.

What it really depends on, is your relationship with your landlord.

In my case, I supply my apartments with window coverings of my choice, and when a tenant wants to put up his/her own, I tell them (in writing) that they must return the apt to original condition when they leave. My lease provides that tenant is not allowed to make any alterations, additions or improvements without written consent, and that any additions, fixtures or improvements that may be made or installed on the premises shall be deemed to be damage to the premises.

The most important thing is to ASK before you make any such attachments, and to work out something in advance with the landlord.