Just like the home’s interior, placing decorative finishes and non-permanent decor is the best-practice for tenants who want to put their personal touch. Items such as patio furniture, potted plants or trees, and so on are both functional and in compliance with the terms of the lease.
The issue is that not everybody can control themselves or tone themselves down. There are some tenants that want to do a lot more than decorating an outdoor space with additional throw pillows. Some people may want to install items that are prohibited. There may be tenants that want to have a firepit. Even the small, freestanding firepits available at most home improvement stores present a serious risk, and many cities and counties have specific regulations regarding where and when they can be used.
Tenants may try and make permanent changes to the area, and they’d attempt it without permission. They may go ahead and do something such as installing an awning or in-ground fire pit, adding a new path or walkway, or installing a new fence, pond, trees, bushes or perhaps even a shed or gazebo. They may not think much about the difference between adding a freestanding barbecue grill to the patio and building one in the yard. For this reason, tenants must be given clear instruction as to what they can and cannot add to their yard. On top of that, the wording of their lease agreement should clearly explain the consequences of their decision to make unauthorized changes and additions.
However, even though you’ve placed all the safeguards, the tenant still goes on and makes changes to the yard without asking permission. When this happens, you’ll need to take decisive and appropriate action. One way to make sure your renters follow the stipulations of the lease is to hire Real Property Management One. We explain clearly all of the do’s and don’ts of home improvement projects to your tenants and perform regular property evaluations. Doing this ensures that they stay compliant with the lease. In the event of a violation, we will take care of it. We will take the necessary action and work closely with your renters to get to the best possible solution. If you want to know more about what we can do to serve you, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 925-794-8339.