Improvements are by agreement
A simple definition of an improvement is that it makes the property better than it was at the time of the commencement of the lease.
Improvements are mostly commonly thought of as adding something that wasn’t already present, like installing flyscreens or an air conditioner.
It can also include replacing an existing feature with a new version, such as new carpet or an updated kitchen.
It is not unusual for a tenant to think something is a reasonable repair only to find the owner thinks it’s an improvement.
The test of whether a property owner needs to replace something is:
· does it meet the minimum standards required by law
· was it present at the time of commencement and
· does the current item still do its job
A tenant can ask the landlord for an improvement, but it is up to the landlord to decide if they will invest the money. On the other hand, if it’s a repair, the tenant can ask for it to be repaired, and the landlord is required by law to repair/replace it.