When managing a rental property, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of its exterior. The exterior appearance has a substantial influence on the property’s value and curb appeal. Proper upkeep of exterior elements is important, and tenants’ involvement in maintaining its appeal should be recognized.
It’s important to remember that differing views on the property’s appearance can create challenges. Certain tenants may want not only to upkeep the yard but also to modify or add to the exterior of the rental home. As DIY home improvement trends grow, more tenants are trying to make changes to the property, with or without landlord 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, for example, someone was injured in the process, you could be dealing with a major legal issue on top of everything else.
Issues like broken sprinklers, damaged gas lines, or poor workmanship can cause expensive repairs and create a hazardous backyard, leading to major financial repercussions 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. 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 Quest. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Duncanville and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 214-550-9311.
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.
