Tenant Modifications That Make a Happy Home

VOLUME I

Are You a Flexible Enough Landlord To Ensure That Your Tenants Stay Long-term?

When tenants feel like a rental is their home, they may stay longer and enjoy the property more. Flexibility in allowing minor home modifications is the key to keeping tenants happy. Although some modifications cannot be considered such as replacing all the flooring or repainting the entire home, allowing minor modifications helps tenants feel like a rental property is indeed “home."

Cookie-cutter type properties may not be appealing. Additionally, if a landlord allows dogs, tenants may seek to install a dog door for easy access to the outdoors. A new door that serves a dog is easy to switch out, and the old door can be saved for later use. The door should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent warping.

Other potential modifications include the installation of ceiling fans, the switching out of light fixtures and shower heads, and the addition of dimmer switches to existing lighting. Usually, the tenant's goal is to save on utility costs and create ambience.

Repainting of a wall(s) for decorative purposes might also be sought, or possibly a mural in a child’s bedroom. However, the painting of any wall in question should be preapproved. Additionally, a tenant should keep a record of the original paint can with the color code. A sample of any new color should also be provided before proceeding. Landlords should leave a can of paint for a tenant to make minor touch-ups during their tenancy.

Some tenants thrive on gardening, ranging from fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Discussions with the tenant should precede. Plantings might need removal by the tenant before vacancy because of routine maintenance. Reasonable gardening accommodations can be either fixed or undone easily.

Shower heads, digital thermostats and dimmer switches can be replaced easily too. Ceiling fans and other less removable additions, depending upon the lease and the agreement between landlord and tenant, sometimes simply get left behind and become the property of the landlord. Why? They're too costly and difficult to remove. Appliances that were purchased by a tenant, under most circumstances, are the tenant’s property and can be removed by the tenant when relocating.

Regardless of the change, both landlord and tenant should know upfront which modifications are allowed and which are not. This should all be spelled out in a solid lease agreement to ensure that no misunderstandings occur.

The Ins and Outs of Working with Investors

While tenants of rental properties focus on factors such as property quality, location and monthly rent, investors may focus on one overarching factor: return on investment. Here’s what Realtors need to know about how investors generally decide whether they want to invest in rentals.

Rental Inspections: Don’t Wait Until Move-Outs Only

Move-in/move-out inspection and periodic inspections are important aspects of managing a rental property. By better understanding what to look for during inspections and how often to schedule them, it is possible for landlords to avoid common mistakes.

Creating a Go-To Contractor List

Agreeing to a contractual relationship, such as a service maintenance agreement, with a vendor could significantly speed up any frantic searches—especially during emergencies and late-night hours.

Navigating Out-of-State Rental Properties

Today’s housing market is a bit of a seesaw. In 2022, the Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate six times. Higher interest rates mean loans are more expensive for consumers. But no matter what happens with inflation, people need a place to live. This is leading property owners to look for a means of disposable income. And sometimes the real estate investor may choose a property from another state.

Is That Emotional Support Animal Legit?

It can be difficult for landlords to tell if someone has a legitimate ESA or simply a pet. Banning a tenant with an ESA could lead to legal action against the landlord. Fortunately, there are ways that landlords can fairly differentiate between the two to comply with the Fair Housing Act.

Repairs: Who Pays for What?

For a landlord, a rental property is an uphill battle against mishaps, calamities, the hands of time and sometimes nature itself. To guard their investment, property owners must plan ahead, maneuver tactfully and sometimes be prepared to cut their losses.

Magazine Archive · Oct 2, 2021

Can Pet-Friendly Homes Bring Better Tenants?

“Do you have a pet-friendly policy?” It’s a common question that landlords receive before attempting to rent a single-family home.

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Rekey for Tenant Safety

Each state will exhibit different property code requirements for rekeying rentals. This is partially due to the demographics and population needs of individual landlords and tenants.

Magazine Archive · Oct 2, 2021

How To Protect Yourself From Marginal Applicants

Property managers and landlords are often faced with uncomfortable choices: to rent to the well-meaning but credit-challenged tenants or wait until the ideal candidates pop up.

Magazine Archive · Oct 2, 2021

The Ins and Outs of Working with Investors

Rental Inspections: Don’t Wait Until Move-Outs Only

Creating a Go-To Contractor List

Navigating Out-of-State Rental Properties

Is That Emotional Support Animal Legit?

Repairs: Who Pays for What?

Can Pet-Friendly Homes Bring Better Tenants?

Rekey for Tenant Safety

How To Protect Yourself From Marginal Applicants

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