Renters want to enjoy their single-family rental homes all year round with the company of friends or family. Outdoor spaces are a major part of the home and many tenants enjoy changing its look. For some of them, adding things to their Ventura rental home’s yard is how they do it.
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 problem comes when tenants go overboard; when they aren’t content with simply placing throw pillow on the patio furniture. 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 also attempt to make more permanent changes without asking permission. They may want to do something like 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 fully grasp the ramifications of building something in the yard. Not all tenants see the difference between putting a freestanding barbecue grill to the patio and building one in the yard. Because of this, you must explain clearly to tenants what they can and cannot add to their yard. Along with that, the terms stated in their lease agreement should clearly disclose the consequences of deciding to make unauthorized changes and additions.
Sometimes, no matter how many preventive measures you have in place, the tenant still goes against your terms and makes changes to the yard without your permission. The important thing at this point is to take decisive and appropriate action. If you want to be sure that your renters won’t break the terms of the lease, then hire Real Property Management Ventura County. We make clear all of the do’s and don’ts of home improvement projects to your tenants and perform regular property evaluations. By doing so, we make sure that they continue to comply with the lease. If there happens to be a violation, we will manage it and go through all the necessary actions. We will work closely with your renters and reach a resolution that is best for both parties. 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 805-387-3682.
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.
