When discussing gatherings in your Brewer rental homes, it’s important to know what can be done to keep things under control. Read on about the top three things landlords must know about Memorial Day parties in their rental homes.
1. Put It in the Lease
It can be very challenging to ensure that your residents’ Memorial Day parties do not become large events that increase the risk of damage and liability. How many people is too many for your property? Can (and should) you try to restrict your residents from consuming alcohol? What is your policy about residents grilling or building fires in the yard? Knowing the answers to these questions in advance can help you manage your resident’s parties even before they happen.
The maximum number of party guests, agreeable noise levels, and more can all be addressed in your lease documents. Word your lease documents in such a way that you explicitly limit the number of guests they can have, with larger numbers requiring special permission. The number may change, but “no more than 10 for fewer than four hours” is a popular pick.
2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Alcohol and Grilling Policies
Large events like these usually involve the consumption of alcohol. You must include specific language in your lease that addresses illegal activities. This is of utmost importance especially because you can’t legally prohibit alcohol on your property. Your lease must also state the specific consequences of allowing these activities on your property.
When residents want to grill or otherwise have open flames on the property, the lease should have already explained the rules and safety issues related to fire. Even quality barbecue grills can become a fire hazard if misused, so it is important to also include provisions for this in your lease.
3. Renters Insurance and Renters Legal Liability
Make sure that your residents have their own renters insurance. In case a large gathering does occur on the property, the possibility of damage and injury increases considerably. If damage or injury does occur, you could be held responsible unless residents have their own insurance coverage.
In regards to any party or social gathering at this time, please keep in mind the current recommendations by the CDC. Although there are places in the U.S. that are opening back up, most areas still restrict gatherings to a certain number of people. Your Brewer tenants must be mindful of current restrictions within their city or state to keep themselves and your community safe.
Be diligent in enforcing the terms of the lease agreement so that you ensure that your property is protected. If a party gets out of hand and loud, destructive, or illegal activity is taking place, see to it that you act promptly and decisively to hold your residents accountable.
The good news is that we can help you out! At Real Property Management Acadia, we will monitor activity in the residence and help you craft lease documents designed to keep party plans within acceptable limits. You can contact us or call us at 207-561-7482 for more info today!