One of the first things residents typically do when they move into a new rental home is adding decorative features. Sometimes, the impulse to customize their rental property reaches the exterior of the house as well. Numerous Burbank homeowners expect their residents to maintain the landscaping to some extent, and great residents would be more than willing. Residents like to take pride in their home even if they don’t actually own it.
But when your residents want to perform alterations to the exterior of the property, this is where things could quickly go awry. Residents might send requests to make changes like creating new flower beds, putting in new trees or plants in the yard, or turning a corner of the yard into a vegetable garden. Other alterations to the exterior that residents may ask to include new exterior light fixtures, doors, or even changing the color of the house itself.
If the residents are willing to pay for it themselves, you might be tempted to allow them to make certain changes. However, it’s essential to remember that not all changes are for the good. If the resident’s handiwork is of low quality, it can really lessen your property value and your ability to rent the home in the future.
If sod has been disturbed or plantings moved or changed, asking your residents to put the property back the way it was when they first arrived may not be possible. Future residents may not like— not as much as your current residents do, at least— the upkeep that a vegetable garden requires. And things like these are what makes potential renters pass your property over for one with less maintenance.
There may be restrictions and additional permissions that you must follow before changes are approved if your rental home is located within a homeowners’ association. If residents go on making changes to the exterior of your Burbank rental property without your permission, you have to take the appropriate next steps. But, what do you need to do? You could charge them for any needed repairs and then get a professional to fix it or you can try to make your residents repair it. Although the best route is to hire a property management company that can both consistently monitor your properties for you and take care of unauthorized changes as they happen.
At Real Property Management East San Gabriel Valley, we understand the hassle that can develop from unauthorized changes to your property. We are committed to protecting your investment, and that entails making sure your residents realize what unauthorized changes are and the consequences for making them. Our property maintenance programs are designed to boost the potential of your investment while keeping costs low. For more information about our property management services, please contact us online or give us a call at 626-600-2884 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.
