When residents move into a new rental property, one of the initial things they typically do is put in decorative elements. Occasionally, this desire to personalize their rental home also extends to the exterior of the house. Many Waco property owners expect their residents to preserve the landscaping to some extent, in which quality residents are happy to do so. They want to feel proud of their home too, even if they don’t actually own it.
Now when your residents want to make changes to the exterior of the home, this is where things can rapidly go downhill. As the owner, you might get requests from residents aiming to make changes like planting new trees or plants in the yard, making new flower beds, or transforming a corner of the yard into a vegetable garden. Other exterior changes that residents might ask for involve new exterior doors, light fixtures, or even changing the color of the house itself.
You may be tempted to allow them to make certain changes, particularly if they are going to pay for it themselves. However, you have to remember that not all changes are good. If the resident’s workmanship is of low quality, that could totally impact your property values and your ability to rent out the home further down the road.
You can always request that they put the property back the way it was when they first came. However, if sod has been disturbed or plantings changed or moved, that might not be a possibility. Future residents may not enjoy the maintenance required by a vegetable garden as much as your current residents do, which can make potential renters pass your property over for one with less upkeep.
If your rental home is in an area with a homeowners’ association, there may be limitations and additional permissions that you must heed before changes are allowed. If residents go ahead and modify the exterior of your Waco rental property without your consent, there are appropriate next steps you will need to take. But, what do you need you to do? You could make them pay for any necessary repairs and then get an expert to fix it or you can try to make them do it themselves. Although, your top option is to employ a property management company that can both constantly monitor your properties for you and deal with unauthorized changes as they happen.
At Real Property Management Talent, we know the hassles that can come from unauthorized property changes. We are devoted to protecting your investment, and that means making certain your residents understand what is deemed as unauthorized changes and the consequences for making them. Our property maintenance programs are designed to maximize the potential of your investment while minimizing costs. For additional information about our property management services in Waco, please contact us online or give us a call at 254-401-0400 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.
