Renters want to enjoy their single-family rental homes all year round with the company of friends or family. Outdoor spaces are a major part of the home and many tenants enjoy changing its look. For some of them, adding things to their Muskegon rental home’s yard is how they do it.
Just like the home’s interior, placing decorative finishes and non-permanent decor is the best-practice for tenants who want to put their personal touch. 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 predicament is that not all tenants can reign themselves in. There are some that aren’t content with adding throw pillows to the outdoor space. A handful of tenants may see a firepit or any other prohibited item and attempt to add it to their yard. 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 also attempt to make more permanent changes without asking permission. They may want to do something like 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. Additionally, the terms of their lease agreement should also explicitly show what the consequences are of their choice to make 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 make sure your renters follow the stipulations of the lease is to hire Real Property Management Investment Solutions. 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 there happens to be a violation, we will manage it and go through all the necessary actions. We will work closely with your renters and reach a resolution that is best for both parties. Do you want to learn more about how we can serve you? Please contact us online or call us at 616-419-8880.
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.
