When the weather starts to warm up, it can normally get a tenant’s green thumb itching to start a garden. Nevertheless, as a Rigby landlord, you are basically engrossed in increasing the value of your investment property. A tenant’s inclination for a garden can every so often be at odds with your need to protect your property from changes, however small. Allowing your renters to plant garden beds in the yard of your rental house comes with both pros and cons. Before you give your tenant permission to start digging, here are essential features to take into account first.
Local Ordinances
It may astonish you to realize that numerous towns have laws that prohibit residential property owners from growing a garden, at least in the front yard. Others may have restrictions on what type of plants can be grown or how much water any one property resident can use. Consequently, make sure to investigate your local ordinances previous to accepting any garden requests.
Potential Advantages
Having a garden in the backyard may increase the value of your property in most situations. It rests on your target renter demographic and where your property is located. If your tenant wishes a garden very badly, permitting them to do so could make them delighted, which will seemingly help them to stay in your rental longer. A happy tenant typically results in better long-term cash flows, so it may be worth the risk to give them permission to plant their garden.
Costs of Restoration
Nonetheless, it’s relevant to assess the downsides of allowing your tenant to put garden beds in the yard. As an instance, if your current tenant leaves, you may be stuck with the responsibility of restoring the yard to its original condition. This will certainly encompass costs that may or may not be fully covered by their security deposit, which indicates you’ll be paying out of pocket to get it taken care of.
Neglect by Future Tenants
Another conceivable issue to permitting garden beds is what happens when your current tenant takes off. If you ever decide to keep the garden beds, there is no certainty that your next tenant will have the skills or likely to keep them tidy and weed-free. The added nuisance of yard maintenance could result in overall neglect of the property’s landscaping, which would put in jeopardy your property values and create headaches for you.
Consider Compromise
Despite the fact you’ve already opted to refuse your tenant’s request for garden beds, you could take into consideration giving them a compromise instead. For illustration, maybe you could allow some new flower beds along a walkway or under a window instead of larger garden beds. Or, think of agreeing to a few large containers for their garden project, in particular raised planters or tubs. These can be positioned on a patio or in a discreet location not to damage existing landscaping but, on the other hand, still give your tenant the satisfaction of growing things.
When it comes to tenant garden beds, it’s crucial to look at all aspects of the question before ever making your decision. Each property and situation is different, so ultimately, only you can decide.
However, you don’t need to make difficult decisions about your investment property all on your own. At Real Property Management Southeast Idaho, we have experienced Rigby property managers who can partner up with rental property investors like you to help handle tenant requests and protect your property’s value. Contact us today to learn more.
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