In managing a rental property, recognizing the importance of the exterior is crucial. The appearance of the exterior plays a major role in determining the property’s value and curb appeal. Maintaining the exterior properly is important, and tenants’ role in keeping it visually appealing should be factored in.
It’s important to remember that differing views on the property’s appearance can create challenges. Some tenants may desire to not only maintain the yard but also make changes or additions to the exterior of the rental property. Due to the popularity of DIY home projects, it’s becoming more frequent for tenants to make improvements, sometimes without the landlord’s consent.
Common types of unauthorized tenant changes
For instance, your tenant may believe that a patio umbrella doesn’t suffice and wish to replace it with a pergola. Although it might seem simple to let them build one in the yard, this can lead to permit violations, property damage, and even personal injuries. If, for example, someone was injured in the process, you could be dealing with a major legal issue on top of everything else.
Broken sprinklers, damaged gas lines, faulty siding, and poor craftsmanship can lead to expensive repairs and a dangerous backyard, resulting in substantial financial consequences for the property owner.
The same issues arise with other typical home improvements, such as painting, garage door replacement, or adding a deck or porch. Personal preferences and/or shoddy renovations can decrease the property’s value, making it harder to attract renters. It’s not a smart approach to let tenants handle home improvement projects by themselves.
Prevent tenants from modifying rental property
The best course of action is to prevent home “improvement” projects from starting in the first place. Ensure the lease contains clear language stating that tenants are not allowed to make permanent changes to the property.
Conducting regular inspections is key to ensuring tenants haven’t made unauthorized alterations to the property. This proactive strategy can help avoid safety hazards, lease violations, or property damage, ensuring you maintain control over your property.
That’s the perfect time to contact Real Property Management Acadia. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Brewer and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 207-561-7482.
Originally Published on Mar 22, 2019
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