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. Certain tenants may want not only to upkeep the yard but also to modify or add to the exterior of the rental home. With the rise of DIY home improvements, tenants are increasingly attempting to make changes to the property, sometimes without the landlord’s consent.
Common types of unauthorized tenant changes
Your tenant might think a patio umbrella isn’t sufficient and opt for a pergola as a replacement. While it might seem easy to let them build one in the yard, this situation could result in permit violations, property damage, and even 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.
Broken sprinklers, damaged gas lines, faulty siding, and poor craftsmanship can lead to expensive repairs and a dangerous backyard, resulting in substantial financial consequences for the property owner.
The same issues arise with other typical home improvements, such as painting, garage door replacement, or adding a deck or porch. Personal design choices and/or inferior renovations can diminish property values, complicating the rental process. Allowing tenants to do home improvement projects on their own is not a good idea.
Prevent tenants from modifying rental property
The ideal strategy is to prevent home “improvement” projects from getting off the ground. Ensure the lease contains clear language stating that tenants are not allowed to make permanent changes to the property.
It’s important to conduct regular inspections of your property to confirm tenants haven’t made changes without approval. 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 Bozeman. We accomplish regular property evaluations in Three Forks and nearby to prevent unauthorized tenant improvements in their tracks. If you want to understand more, please contact us online or by phone at 406-586-2226.
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.
