Tenant Painting
I would ask the tenant if they would provide you with contact information of the "people in teh business" and see if they are legit, if you are truely more concerned that it will look professional. Then, you can create an adendum to the lease that stipulates who pays for the expenses, etc. as well as any pre-selected paint colors you agree on, and where those colors can and cannot be placed. You could also have the tenant make an additional deposit (check the laws in your state) that will be refunded once the work is inspected by you, to be sure there is not any volation of the clause and that there is no damage.
If you agree that the space could use the color, you could also consider discussing the paint choice colors with the tenant and hire a professional to come in an do it at your expense. If you insist on a professional job, then you have to be willing to foot the bill, in my opinion. Otherwise, you get what you pay for.
One other thing you have to consider is if the tenant plans on doing any faux finishes or texturizing to the walls. If so, you need to decide if that is acceptable to you, since removing texture is difficult, and expensive. Some faux finishes also add texture, so make sure all is clear, and in writing, to protect you and your tenant from any disputes. If your tenant is willing to pay for it, and the finished product increases the value of the property, it might be prudent to offer a slightly reduced rent for the duration of the lease. This might make you a very happy tenant who is more likely to extend or sign another lease...meaning more security in the cashflow of the property. Long term tenants are always a good selling point, should you decide to sell in the future, and your long term tenant might very well be the one most interested in buying.
buying a home that is burned down and demolishing ....burned down home is that the plumbing, wiring..
if you tear it down all that is gone?!?!!
very little survives a fire, esp not copper w/ solder joints and wiring w/ paper, plastic, or some other insulation.
I doubt if as a new owner you would inherit the zoning, etc. It would effectively be new construction.
Even if the lot is pre-existing and non-conforming, you should be able to rebuild a new house with the exact same foundation footprint. In Mass, the state building code is the governing authority.
I let them paint if they want to pay for it, unless it needs painted in which case I pay for it. I make it clear that if there is damage it will come out of the deposit, and if they paint over wood they will be stripping it immediately. I think it is foolish to repaint over fresh paint, but if they really want to pay for it...
However I am renting old buildings I have rehabbed and painted myself. If it was brand new, I might feel differently about it.
Chris
If it is a neutral color I usually do not care whether it is an old or new building because I generally paint everytime someone moves out.
For any bold color I make them sign something saying that when they move they will be responsible for at least one coat of any paint or primer it will take to return the place to a neutral color.
I also make them sign an acknowledgement that any stray paint on floor, cabinets, outlets, etc will be charged.