One of the nicest things that happen during the holiday season is that we get to be with our family and friends. When you are a renter and those loved ones come to visit, however, there are some things that you should know. These important things ensure that the visit would be comfortable and that it doesn’t violate the terms of your lease. These points can be categorized into two. First, ensuring that your friends and family feel welcome during the holiday. Second, knowing your responsibilities as a tenant when guests visit. These things are good ways to maintain good relationships with everyone concerned – including your landlord!
When preparing for your guests to arrive, there are a number of things you can do to make their visit as comfortable as possible. For instance, you’re going to have guests that are staying in your home. It’s almost a certainty that many of them would want to access your Wi-Fi. If you write down your password before they arrive, you can make it a lot easier for them to get online. Similarly, by providing each guest with detailed instructions on how to get to your house — including the necessary gate codes — you’re helping them a lot. This would greatly reduce their stress and their journey will be a lot more pleasant.
The moment your guests are in your home, you’d want them to feel that they lack nothing. To that end, it would be nice if you provide them with a variety of breakfast options and perhaps an assortment of little necessities. When you cater to your guests’ breakfast preferences, you help them feel comfortable and show them the care that you have for them. Also, the simple act of adding a basket filled with items like extra toilet paper, clean towels, toiletries, feminine products, and even a hairdryer can prevent any embarrassing situations from happening if they happen to forget something.
A nice gesture would be to list down the nearby amenities or attractions. This way, when they look at the local sites of interest, your guests can plan to have a little fun during their stay without feeling wholly reliant on you. As for their sleeping arrangements, be sure to provide them with a sleeping space with all the comforts they’ll need to settle in. Also, for the tenants without an extra bedroom, placing a comfortable air mattress, chair for clothing, a lamp or nightlight, and a fan will help everyone rest easy.
Now as you do your part as a gracious host to make your guests feel welcomed, you also need to remember your responsibilities as a tenant. Most landlords know that holiday parties and the guests that attend them are a given when celebrating the holidays, that’s why many of them included specific language in your lease that restricts the number of guests and the length of time that any guest can stay. That is why it is important to know the terms of your lease before making any holiday plans. The last thing you want to happen is to have your holiday ruined because your neighbors complain to your landlord or the local authorities.
The main rule is that when planning holiday get-togethers and parties, try keeping them within reason. Observe local noise ordinances and quiet hours during the night. Do all you can to keep your guests from becoming a nuisance to your neighbors by parking their cars in front of their houses, driveways, and so on. It may be good to try and keep your number of guests somewhat small to keep yourself on the good side of your neighbors or your landlord.
Ultimately, be sure to check with your landlord if one or more of your guests will be staying with you for an extended period. Long-term guests who overstay their welcome may be thought of as an unauthorized tenant, creating a load of trouble for you. If it isn’t clear for you how long your guests can stay before your landlord will want them to start paying rent, ask. In fact, communicating with your landlord or property management company is a good strategy for any doubts that may arise.
Have you heard? Real Property Management Acadia has a team of Hampden property managers who know the importance of communicating with both tenants and owners while clarifying lease terms and enforcing the rules if necessary. Whether you’re looking for a rental or would like us to manage your property, contact us and see how we can help you this holiday season.
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