Acknowledging the significance of a rental property’s exterior is key when overseeing it. The property’s exterior greatly impacts its value and curb appeal. Regular maintenance of the exterior is essential, and tenants should be encouraged to help maintain its appearance.
It’s important to remember that differing views on the property’s appearance can create challenges. Tenants might not only be interested in maintaining the yard but also in making changes or adding features to the rental home’s exterior. Given the current DIY trend, it’s more common for tenants to attempt property improvements, whether or not they have the landlord’s approval.
Common types of unauthorized tenant changes
For instance, your tenant might find a patio umbrella insufficient and decide they want a pergola instead. Letting them put one together in the yard might seem easy, but it’s a potential source of permit violations, property damage, and personal injuries. If someone were to get injured during the process, you could face a serious 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.
Similar concerns exist for other common home improvements, such as painting, replacing the garage door, or adding a deck or porch. Personal preferences and/or shoddy renovations can decrease the property’s value, making it harder to attract renters. Letting tenants undertake home improvement projects on their own is not a wise strategy.
Prevent tenants from modifying rental property
The most prudent strategy is to stop home “improvement” projects before they get underway. Include clear terms in the lease stating that tenants are not permitted to make permanent changes to your rental property.
It’s important to conduct regular inspections of your property to confirm tenants haven’t made changes without approval. Taking this proactive approach can prevent safety risks, lease violations, or property damage, allowing you to keep control over your property.
That’s when it’s time to call Real Property Management Bay Area. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Sonomarin and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 650-696-1800.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
