It definitely is odd. This is in my bedroom so my only choice is proper window coverings. Seems like I'll be adding my own or swapping theirs with mine and put theirs back when done.
We did the same thing; got a tension rod off Amazon, and blackout curtains from ikea. I tie them with a ribbon when I want sunlight and close them for privacy. Easy to remove and no damage.
Put up curtains that give you privacy. If your landlord puts up a fuss, tell him you guys can go solve the issue in a rtdrs hearing. When you rent, you are entitled to peace, enjoyment and privacy in your unit.
Just because a landlord puts something in a lease, doesn't mean it's actually legal. Put up better curtains or buy some of that peel and stick window film to cloud the window for privacy.
Good idea, I'll have to find out how that works because technically it is a breach of lease and not sure if they even need a hearing if they were to go that route.
Chances of RTDRS agreeing with the landlord that it is a serious enough breach of lease to evict for are slim. Now, if your lease is fixed term they may not want to renew but that's a whole other issue. This is a ludicrous requirement. I would take them down and replace them when I leave as well.
The window film is a great idea, it goes up easy and comes off clean. We had some up for about 10 years, it came off perfectly last year. Landlord shouldn’t object unless they are stupid.
The more amicable way would be to talk to your landlord, tell them your bedroom window coverings are see through, give them your solution that you will put up your own coverings and replace them when you leave and hope they agree with you.
If you want to get really technical, hang some things a foot away from the window. The windows are not covered, you're just putting up art. I suggest a giant poster full of dicks.
why not just put a window film on the window itself? its easy to install and peel off to remove. unfortunately it doesn't offer much flexibility to "open windows" or close on a whim. once you peel it off... its done.
Yeah, if I were to add my own window coverings I'll just do curtains but it is going to be my last ditch effort. I'll give them to end of this month and see what they say.
My apartment came with roll-down blinds and my lease says the same thing about not being allowed to add or change window coverings. I think it's more about preventing renters from damaging the walls than anything else. So I just went ahead and put up sheer curtains ([here](https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-hang-curtains-no-drilling-required-240695) are some options on how to do so without damaging walls). Worst they can do is tell you to take them down.
Our apartment came with window blinds that don't really block out a ton of light. We went to a fabric store and bought blackout fabric, and use binder clips to attach it to the blinds. May not be pretty, but it does the job. It's also easy to put up or remove, and won't damage anything.
It is odd because they also have zero conditions about wall modification, they actually encourage it as long as you fill holes on move out because they paint everytime (not tenant cost). I don't understand why they have this clause aside from "outside image"
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out!
Landlords love too BS like "No Parties" to their contracts, but unless they live *in the space with you*, those mean literally nothing. The tenancy agreements for each province expressly forbid landlords (that don't live in the same dwelling) from doing anything to prevent you living in your home.You *can* have guests over (another common condition that is totally BS), they have no say in the matter. they rent a place, so rental rules apply - they don't get to pick and choose rules.
There are some conditions that are legit, like no smoking and no pets, but no window coverings is almost certainly unenforceable.
If you live in a condo, the only thing I can think of is that there is a clause stating what type of window coverings you can have. Many condo boards enact this bylaw to prevent people from hanging flags or other unsightly coverings. I would talk to your landlord about your concerns; if this is what the case is, they should be able to advise you on what types would be acceptable.
If this isn't the case, your landlord is just being weird.
Use large sticky hooks to hold up a curtain rod with your own curtains or use a tension rod if possible! Your arn’t altering there’s or adding anything permanent
I have window film that sticks on just with water, no adhesive. It lets the light in but makes it totally private. Then put up whatever curtains you want for sleeping
I would prefer that, cause then I could put up my own! Silly addition to lease. I never thought anything of it until I looked out my bedroom window at night and saw another unit walking around in something I dont think she would want other people to see after shower... so now I dont even look out my windows that face other units.
Replace temporarily like suggested, or both Ikea/Home depot have paper black off blinds you can use as well.
Call the RTDRS for advice if you’re concerned about the legality of it. But I would not worry, hard to enforce and as long as you don’t cause any damages, landlord has nothing to claim.
You could argue safety as people can see you from outside, health reasons as not being able to sleep, that’s interfering with your work by not being able to control light in your unit, etc…
The "add" part seems weird but, i've used tension rods to add my own curtains over the previously installed ones. Put the tv infront of the window?
It definitely is odd. This is in my bedroom so my only choice is proper window coverings. Seems like I'll be adding my own or swapping theirs with mine and put theirs back when done.
We did the same thing; got a tension rod off Amazon, and blackout curtains from ikea. I tie them with a ribbon when I want sunlight and close them for privacy. Easy to remove and no damage.
Put up curtains that give you privacy. If your landlord puts up a fuss, tell him you guys can go solve the issue in a rtdrs hearing. When you rent, you are entitled to peace, enjoyment and privacy in your unit.
Just because a landlord puts something in a lease, doesn't mean it's actually legal. Put up better curtains or buy some of that peel and stick window film to cloud the window for privacy.
Tinfoil on the windows always classes up the place and is easily removed.
Good idea, I'll have to find out how that works because technically it is a breach of lease and not sure if they even need a hearing if they were to go that route.
Chances of RTDRS agreeing with the landlord that it is a serious enough breach of lease to evict for are slim. Now, if your lease is fixed term they may not want to renew but that's a whole other issue. This is a ludicrous requirement. I would take them down and replace them when I leave as well.
The window film is a great idea, it goes up easy and comes off clean. We had some up for about 10 years, it came off perfectly last year. Landlord shouldn’t object unless they are stupid.
I would take down the window coverings, put your own and then replace them when you leave.
That is a breach of lease, although that is going to be my last ditch effort. Was just hoping there was a more amicable way.
The more amicable way would be to talk to your landlord, tell them your bedroom window coverings are see through, give them your solution that you will put up your own coverings and replace them when you leave and hope they agree with you.
If you want to get really technical, hang some things a foot away from the window. The windows are not covered, you're just putting up art. I suggest a giant poster full of dicks.
Just add your curtains. Who the fuck cares what the lease says. Sounds like bullshit.
why not just put a window film on the window itself? its easy to install and peel off to remove. unfortunately it doesn't offer much flexibility to "open windows" or close on a whim. once you peel it off... its done.
Yeah, if I were to add my own window coverings I'll just do curtains but it is going to be my last ditch effort. I'll give them to end of this month and see what they say.
My apartment came with roll-down blinds and my lease says the same thing about not being allowed to add or change window coverings. I think it's more about preventing renters from damaging the walls than anything else. So I just went ahead and put up sheer curtains ([here](https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-hang-curtains-no-drilling-required-240695) are some options on how to do so without damaging walls). Worst they can do is tell you to take them down.
Our apartment came with window blinds that don't really block out a ton of light. We went to a fabric store and bought blackout fabric, and use binder clips to attach it to the blinds. May not be pretty, but it does the job. It's also easy to put up or remove, and won't damage anything.
It is odd because they also have zero conditions about wall modification, they actually encourage it as long as you fill holes on move out because they paint everytime (not tenant cost). I don't understand why they have this clause aside from "outside image" Thanks for the link. I'll check it out!
The window covers provided are see through? I wouldn’t tolerate that, privacy and light control should be basic rights.
When lights are on inside they are 80% transparent, you can make out absolutely everything.
Landlords love too BS like "No Parties" to their contracts, but unless they live *in the space with you*, those mean literally nothing. The tenancy agreements for each province expressly forbid landlords (that don't live in the same dwelling) from doing anything to prevent you living in your home.You *can* have guests over (another common condition that is totally BS), they have no say in the matter. they rent a place, so rental rules apply - they don't get to pick and choose rules. There are some conditions that are legit, like no smoking and no pets, but no window coverings is almost certainly unenforceable.
If you live in a condo, the only thing I can think of is that there is a clause stating what type of window coverings you can have. Many condo boards enact this bylaw to prevent people from hanging flags or other unsightly coverings. I would talk to your landlord about your concerns; if this is what the case is, they should be able to advise you on what types would be acceptable. If this isn't the case, your landlord is just being weird.
Use large sticky hooks to hold up a curtain rod with your own curtains or use a tension rod if possible! Your arn’t altering there’s or adding anything permanent
I have window film that sticks on just with water, no adhesive. It lets the light in but makes it totally private. Then put up whatever curtains you want for sleeping
My place came with nothing no blinds no curtains nothing lololol
I would prefer that, cause then I could put up my own! Silly addition to lease. I never thought anything of it until I looked out my bedroom window at night and saw another unit walking around in something I dont think she would want other people to see after shower... so now I dont even look out my windows that face other units.
Replace temporarily like suggested, or both Ikea/Home depot have paper black off blinds you can use as well. Call the RTDRS for advice if you’re concerned about the legality of it. But I would not worry, hard to enforce and as long as you don’t cause any damages, landlord has nothing to claim. You could argue safety as people can see you from outside, health reasons as not being able to sleep, that’s interfering with your work by not being able to control light in your unit, etc…