It’s essential to understand the significance of the exterior when overseeing a rental property. The outward look of the property heavily influences its value and curb appeal. It’s necessary to properly maintain the exterior, considering tenants’ contribution to upholding its aesthetics.
It’s necessary to consider that conflicting opinions about the appearance of the rental property may lead to difficulties. Tenants might not only be interested in maintaining the yard but also in making changes or adding features to the rental home’s exterior. 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 example, your tenant may consider a patio umbrella inadequate and prefer 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. For instance, if someone got hurt while it was being built, you might face a major legal problem in addition to other concerns.
Damaged sprinklers or gas lines, faulty siding, and subpar handiwork can lead to costly repairs and create a dangerous backyard environment, posing significant financial risks for the property owner.
The same is true for common home improvements like painting, garage door replacement, or adding a deck or porch. Personal design choices and/or poor-quality renovations can decrease property value, making it harder to rent out. Allowing tenants to take on home improvement projects themselves is not a sound strategy.
Prevent tenants from modifying rental property
The most prudent strategy is to stop home “improvement” projects before they get underway. 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 moment to get in touch with Real Property Management Absolute. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Nashua and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 603-242-2727.
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.
