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Should I pay for window blinds for my tenants?

I recently bought a new construction condo as an investment and found tenants to rent the apartment out to. The tenants moved into my apartment a week ago and just sent me an email explaining that they wanted to install window blinds. In the email, they also asked me if I wanted to pay for some of the cost or if it should be their responsibility. I, myself, am not completely sure if I should pay the full cost myself, if we should split the cost, or if my tenants should pay the full cost. On one hand, the rent that we agreed to was based on the apartment not having blinds (and the expenses I estimated ahead of time which helped me figure out what rent to advertise, didn't include any payments for blinds). On the other hand, my tenants didn't even get to look at the apartment themselves as they moved from a different city and had an apartment finder company look at the place for them....plus, they will only get use out of the blinds for a year or two, whereas the blinds will add to the value of my apartment as well as to the appeal of my apartment to future prospective tenants. So do you think I should pay for the blinds in full, split the cost with my tenants, or have the tenants pay for the blinds in full? And why? Thanks! Just another detail to point out - the windows are quite large and the blinds that the tenants would get would need to be professionally installed and wouldn't fit at the tenants' place they move to after my apartment....not to mention, in the email, the tenants specifically referred to how the "blinds will always remain with the apartment" (he mentioned this because I think he wanted to see if I had any input on what brand/design of blinds to get).

Public Comments

1. If they pay for them then they can take the blinds with them when they move, right? If they pay for part of them are you going to reimburse them for that part of it when they move or let them take half the blinds with them?
2. In all the apartments that I lived in, the cost of blinds was my (the tenants) complete responsibility. If the contract stipulates no window blinds, then you can point that out to them, and tell them because of the circumstances of them not knowing in advance about the no blinds policy, you'll make an exception, and let them install the blinds of their choice (and when they leave, they can take them with, that's what we've done for each apartment we've been to) and if they are tenants for under 3 years, they should repair the damage of cost of window blinds when they take them off, when they are ready to move out. But if they are there for longer than 3 years, then you'll pay for the cost (you anyway have to repair the apartment every 3 years, or new tennant, which ever comes first.) good luck .
3. Our apartment complex supplies window blinds for each window. If we damage them, then we have to pay for them. I have never lived in an apartment that doesn't supply them. My other thought is, if I have to buy blinds for an apartment, I will be taking them with me when I move out. I would just say pay for all the blinds, if your tenents damage them in any way they pay for new ones.
4. very good answers from my peers; what does your lease say? what was included when the rental agent did the walk through or whatever they did. if it long range benefits you, add them. MOST rental units include them--or curtains. They are cost depreciated.......does that help?
5. I think you should pay the costs,particularly if there are no window coverings for privacy.If you don't, there may be problems when they want to move out if they contribute,.Unfortunately you will have to bear the costs to avoid further problems.Dishwashers and air con can also be a problem if people want them installed.,
6. This is a very good question. I have always provided them to my tenants and never had a problem. I always do prior to renting.
7. If I were you, I would do it myself. This is a basic feature that most rental properties come with and makes it more marketable. No one wants to live in a place with uncovered windows! By doing it yourself you can ensure that they are professionally installed and that you approve of the style, color etc. But if you want to let them do it, you should make sure to get an agreement in writing, that these window blinds are specifically considered an improvement to the property and the landlord will retain ownership when the tenants move. Otherwise, technically they will have the right to take them with them when they move.
8. No question about it, you need to pay for them. It is your responsibility. When the lease is up you can always up the rent $10. Blinds are a basic necessity.