The tenant may make repairs, alterations or improvements to the premises with the consent of the landlord. The landlord should guard against the contingency of the tenant neglecting to pay for the work so performed, and the consequent filing of mechanic's liens by those who did the work. The law permits the mechanics and material men under such circumstances to enforce their lien against the landlord's property, although they may not be able to hold the landlord personally. Where work of this kind is contemplated, the lease should provide that if such a lien is filed the landlord may pay it and add it to the next installment of rent becoming due under the lease. This may result in a dispossess of the tenant for non-payment of rent unless he reimburses the landlord for the amount he has paid to free his property from the lien.

The landlord may demand further protection from liens by requiring that the tenant deposit cash or file a bond as a guarantee that the cost of the repair or construction work will be paid. This is of especial importance in leases which provide that the tenant is to make any extensive repairs, alterations or improvements.