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. Maintaining the exterior properly is important, and tenants’ role in keeping it visually appealing should be factored in.
Remember that differences in opinion about the property’s appearance can cause challenges. Some tenants may wish to go beyond maintaining the yard and want to alter or enhance the exterior features of the rental home. 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. While it might appear straightforward to allow them to assemble it in the yard, this could result in permit issues, property damage, and possible injuries. If, for example, someone was injured in the process, you could be dealing with a major legal issue on top of everything else.
Broken sprinklers, gas line damage, or poor craftsmanship can lead to costly repairs and a dangerous backyard, with serious financial consequences for the property owner.
This applies equally to popular home improvements like painting, replacing the garage door, or building a deck or porch. Personal design choices and/or poor-quality renovations can decrease property value, making it harder to rent out. It’s not a smart approach to let tenants handle home improvement projects by themselves.
Prevent tenants from modifying rental property
The smartest strategy is to halt any home “improvement” projects before they even start. Use clear language in the lease to ensure tenants understand they cannot make permanent alterations to your rental property.
Regular property inspections are vital to verify that tenants have not made any unauthorized modifications. By being proactive, you can prevent safety hazards, lease breaches, or damage to the property, giving you greater control over your property.
That’s the moment to get in touch with Real Property Management Charleston. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Goose Creek and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 843-900-4061.
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.
