Renters Insurance: Cheap, Easy, Indispensable

I rent a condo from the owner of the unit. It's really lovely, except the bathroom, which is horrid. I'm talking ancient white tiles that are so old they can't be cleaned anymore, a tub with rust spots, a shower that desperately needs to be re-grouted, and an ugly under-sink cabinet. I've thought about asking the owner to make some repairs. But he thinks he's a handyman and he definitely isn't (as evidenced by the mess he made of the caulk on the tub). Should I just try to fix these things myself or is there something else I can do? I really would prefer not to have the owner do it. I know he's going to want to do things himself if I mention it to him. -- Santa Fe, N.M.

Unfortunately, as a tenant, you cannot dictate how your landlord will make changes to your unit. You can ask for an upgrade based on the deteriorating conditions of the bathroom, but you will still have to be at the mercy of your landlord's decisions about his property.

Your best bet is to think about what really needs to be done and then draft a potential solution for your landlord to consider. But understand that you do not control the process because you don't own the unit.

There is no good (or legal) way to make changes behind your landlord's back. You will have to talk to your landlord about this, because you need his approval.

One approach would be to offer to take care of certain aspects of bathroom remodeling or maintenance. Your landlord is more likely to agree to your ideas if you have done some research and have information to share. If you would rather live in your current situation than have him make the fixes, think whether you or someone you know would be capable of helping in the project.

You will have more success if you make reasonable, thought-out suggestions that do not cost a lot. Chances are he fancies himself a handyman because he does not want to pay for a professional. So, you'll have to come up with a good proposal -- one that does not offend his handyman visions and one that might result in a nicer bathroom.

It will take an incredible amount of tact, and possibly even your own labor, to make this happen. Most landlords are not willing to hand over control of their properties to tenants who do not really have a long-term stake.

Technically, as long as your bathroom is livable, your landlord is doing his part. If he acknowledges the conditions but rejects your ideas, however, you may be able to negotiate future rent increases.

Do you have questions, comments or ideas about apartment life? Contact Sara Gebhardt via e-mail at aptlife@gmail.comor by mail, c/o Real Estate Editor, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.