All around the country, people eagerly anticipate the arrival of Memorial Day and the promise of summer that it brings. Through the years, Memorial Day has come to be a day to hold a barbecue or gather with family and friends. Your tenants will also be likely to celebrate Memorial Day with a social event of some kind.
It’s important to know what can be done to keep things under control when it comes to parties in your Summerville rental homes. Here are the top three things landlords need to know about Memorial Day parties in their rental homes.
1. Put It in the Lease
It could be a challenge to make sure that your residents’ Memorial Day events do not become large gatherings that increase the risk of damage and liability. How many people are considered too many for your rental home? Can (and should) you try to restrict your residents from consuming alcohol? What is your policy about residents grilling or building fires in the yard? When you have answered these questions beforehand, you could find it easier to manage your resident’s parties before they ever happen.
The maximum number of party guests, tolerable noise levels, and other items can all be addressed in your lease documents. Your lease documents must be worded to explicitly limit the number of people allowed on your property, with larger numbers requiring special permission. The number may vary, but “no more than 10 for fewer than four hours” is a popular pick.
2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Alcohol and Grilling Policies
Parties usually involve the consumption of alcohol. Since you can’t legally prohibit alcohol on your property, there must be specific language in your lease regarding illegal activities. It is also important to lay out the specific consequences of allowing such activity on your rental property.
When residents want to grill or otherwise have open flames on the property, the lease should have already explained the rules and safety issues related to fire. Even quality barbecue grills can become a fire hazard if misused, so it is important to also include provisions for this in your lease.
3. Renters Insurance and Renters Legal Liability
You must ensure that your residents have their own renters insurance. If ever a large party does happen, the possibility of damage and injury increases considerably. If damage or injury does occur, you could be held responsible unless your residents have their own insurance coverage.
In regards to any party or social gathering at this time, please keep in mind the current recommendations by the CDC. Many places in the U.S. are opening back up. However, most areas still restrict gatherings to a certain number of people. Always remind your Summerville tenants to be mindful of current restrictions within their city or state to keep themselves and your community safe.
Be diligent in enforcing the terms of the lease agreement so that you ensure that your property is protected. If a party gets out of hand and loud, destructive, or illegal activity is taking place, always act promptly and decisively to hold your residents accountable.
You do not have to do all of this by yourself. At Real Property Management Charleston, we will monitor activity in the residence and help you craft lease documents designed to keep party plans within acceptable limits. You can contact us or call us at 843-900-4061 for more info today!
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.
