When the weather starts to warm up, it often always gets a tenant’s green thumb itching to start a garden. But, indeed, as a Poquoson landlord, you are really, and understandably, more interested in accumulating the value of your investment property. A tenant’s enthusiasm for a garden can, every 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 certainly comes with both pros and cons. Before you give your tenant permission to start digging, here are just a few significant factors to assess.
Local Ordinances
It may actually be shocking for you to know that plenty 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. Precisely why you need to ensure to check out your local ordinances before confirming to allow any garden requests.
Potential Advantages
Having a garden in the backyard may increase the value of your property in most circumstances. It is largely subject to your target renter demographic and where your property is located. If your tenant seeks a garden very badly, permitting them to do so could make them ecstatic, which will most likely push 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 grant them permission to plant their garden.
Costs of Restoration
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to look into the downsides of allowing your tenant to put garden beds in the yard. By way of illustration, if your current tenant leaves, you may be stuck with the heavy burden of restoring the yard to its original condition. This will unquestionably compose costs that may or may not be fully covered by their security deposit, which points out you’ll be paying out of pocket to get it fulfilled.
Neglect by Future Tenants
Another plausible dilemma to permitting garden beds is what happens when your current tenant transfers. If you prefer to keep the garden beds, there is no guarantee at all that your next tenant will have the skills or intention to keep them tidy and weed-free. The added fuss of yard maintenance could trigger overall neglect of the property’s landscaping, which would definitely threaten your property values and create headaches for you.
Consider Compromise
Although you’ve already made a choice to refuse your tenant’s request for garden beds, you could think about offering them a compromise instead. As an illustration, maybe you could consent to some new flower beds along a walkway or under a window instead of larger garden beds. Or, take into account permitting a few large containers for their garden project, like raised planters or tubs. These can be stationed on a patio or in a discreet location not to damage existing landscaping but, nonetheless, still grant your tenant the joy of growing things.
When it comes to tenant garden beds, it’s essential to look at all aspects of the question before settling on a decision. Each property and situation is different, so ultimately, only you can decide.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to make difficult decisions about your investment property all on your own. At Real Property Management Dominion, we have experienced Poquoson property managers who work along with rental property investors like you to help handle tenant requests and protect your property’s value. Contact us today to learn more.
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.
