When the weather starts to warm up, it can typically get a tenant’s green thumb itching to start a garden. But reasonably, as a Plano landlord, you are certainly more interested in raising the value of your investment property. A tenant’s eagerness for a garden can once in a while 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 various pros and cons. Before you give your tenant permission to start digging, here are some relevant details to consider first.
Local Ordinances
It may be astounding to find out that quite a lot of 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. Exactly why you need to make certain to look over your local ordinances just prior to allowing any garden requests.
Potential Advantages
Having a garden in the backyard may increase the value of your property in many situations. It is largely determined by your target renter demographic and where your property is located. If your tenant hopes for a garden very badly, letting them do so could make them really happy, which will quite possibly move 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
But remember, it’s critical to think of the downsides of allowing your tenant to put garden beds in the yard. For instance, if your current tenant leaves, you may be stuck with the duty and burden of restoring the yard to its original condition. This will surely constitute costs that may or may not be fully covered by their security deposit, which implies you’ll be paying out of pocket to get it done.
Neglect by Future Tenants
Another expected problem with permitting garden beds is what happens when your current tenant is moving out. If you decide to keep the garden beds, there is no assurance that your next tenant will have the skills or want to keep them tidy and weed-free. The added hassle of yard maintenance could set off overall neglect of the property’s landscaping, which would certainly be a threat to your property values and create headaches for you.
Consider Compromise
Though you’ve already made a decision to refuse your tenant’s request for garden beds, you could consider granting them a compromise instead. As an example, maybe you could simply allow some new flower beds along a walkway or under a window instead of larger garden beds. Or, go into allowing particular large containers for their garden project, such as raised planters or tubs. These can be fixed on a patio or in a discreet location not to damage existing landscaping although still giving your tenant the enjoyment of growing things.
When it comes to tenant garden beds, it’s vital to look at all aspects of the question prior to making your decision. Each property and situation is different, so ultimately, only you can decide.
But happily, you don’t need to make difficult decisions about your investment property all on your own. At Real Property Management Legend, we have experienced Plano property managers who pair up and closely work 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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