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What Does “Home for the Holidays” Mean for Your Tenants?

Grandparents Visiting for ChristmasOne really great thing that the holiday season gives us is the chance to meet our family and friends again. When you are a renter and those loved ones come to visit, however, there are some points that you have to take note of. These things would not only ensure that their visit is pleasant but also that it doesn’t violate the terms of your lease. These points can be divided into two categories. First, making your friends and family feels welcome during the holiday. Second, having a good grasp of your responsibilities as a tenant when guests visit. These points are great ways to maintain good relationships with everyone concerned – including your landlord!

When preparing for your guests to arrive, there are a number of things you can do to make their visit as comfortable as possible. For instance, many of your guests will want access to your Wi-Fi, especially those that are staying in your home. If you write down your password before they arrive, you can make it a lot easier for them to get online. Similarly, by providing each guest with detailed instructions on how to get to your house — including the necessary gate codes — you’re helping them a lot. This would greatly reduce their stress and their journey will be a lot more pleasant.

Once your guests are in your home, you want them to feel that they don’t lack anything. To that end, it would be nice if you provide them with a variety of breakfast options and perhaps an assortment of little necessities. When you cater to your guests’ breakfast preferences, you help them feel comfortable and show them the care that you have for them. Also, the simple act of adding a basket filled with items like extra toilet paper, clean towels, toiletries, feminine products, and even a hairdryer can prevent any embarrassing situations from happening if they happen to forget something.

A welcome gesture would be to build a list of nearby amenities or attractions. This way, when they look at the local sites of interest, your guests can plan to have a little fun during their stay without feeling wholly reliant on you. As for their sleeping arrangements, give them a sleeping space with all the comforts they’ll need to settle in. Also, for the tenants without an extra bedroom, setting up a comfortable air mattress, chair for clothing, a lamp or nightlight, and a fan will help everyone rest easy.

Now as a gracious host doing everything to make your guests comfortable, you also need to remember your responsibilities as a tenant. Practically all landlords know that holiday parties and the guests that attend them are part and parcel of celebrating the holidays. This is why a lot of them purposely included specific language in your lease that restricts the number of guests and the length of time that any guest can stay. Consequently, it is important to know the terms of your lease before making any holiday plans. The last thing you want to happen is to have your holiday ruined because your neighbors complain to your landlord or the local authorities.

The main rule is that when planning holiday get-togethers and parties, try keeping them within reason. Observe local noise ordinances and quiet hours during the night. Make every effort to keep your guests from becoming a nuisance to your neighbors by parking their cars in front of their houses, driveways, and so on. It may be good to try and keep your number of guests somewhat small to keep yourself on the good side of your neighbors or your landlord.

Finally, make sure you check with your landlord if one or more of your guests will be staying with you for an extended period. Long-term guests who overstay their welcome may be considered as an unauthorized tenant, and this would create a heap of problems for you. If it isn’t clear for you how long your guests can stay before your landlord will want them to start paying rent, ask. In fact, communicating with your landlord or property management company is a great strategy for anything that you find unclear.

Have you heard? Real Property Management Bozeman has a team of Bozeman property managers who makes it a point to communicate with both tenants and owners while clarifying lease terms and enforcing the rules if necessary. Whether you’re looking for a rental or would like us to manage your property, contact us and see how we can help you this holiday season.

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