Very similar to decorating the home’s interior, placing decorative touches and non-permanent additions are the best way for tenants to put their stamp on the area. Items such as patio furniture, potted plants or trees, and so on are both functional and in compliance with the terms of the lease.
The problem comes when tenants go overboard; when they aren’t content with simply placing throw pillow on the patio furniture. Some people may want to install items that are prohibited. There may be tenants that want to have a firepit. Even the small, freestanding firepits available at most home improvement stores present a serious risk, and many cities and counties have specific regulations regarding where and when they can be used.
Tenants may try and make permanent changes to the area, and they’d attempt it without permission. They may go ahead and do something such as installing an awning or in-ground fire pit, adding a new path or walkway, or installing a new fence, pond, trees, bushes or perhaps even a shed or gazebo. They may not appreciate the distinction between placing a freestanding barbecue grill to the patio and building one in the yard. For this reason, tenants must be given clear instruction as to what they can and cannot add to their yard. Along with having that conversation, their lease agreements should clearly point out the consequences of unauthorized changes and additions.
Sometimes, no matter how many preventive measures you have in place, the tenant still goes against your terms and makes changes to the yard without your permission. The important thing at this point is to take decisive and appropriate action. One way to be sure your renters don’t break the stipulations written down on the lease is to hire Real Property Management Eclipse. We make clear all of the do’s and don’ts of home improvement projects to your tenants and perform regular property evaluations. By doing so, we make sure that they continue to comply with the lease. If a violation is discovered, we will go through the necessary actions. We will contact your renters and work closely with them to reach the best possible resolution. Do you have any questions you want to be answered? Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 425-209-0252.