A first-rate fence is one thing that a lot of renters search for when selecting a Theodore rental house. Most notably in the single-family rental home market, a fenced yard is a crucial lure for long-term renters. But there are occasions when a fence gets damaged, who shoulders the cost for maintenance? The answer to that question depends on two things: the condition of the fence upon move in and how the fence was damaged.
If the fence around the property is in good condition but damaged by your tenant or their guests, your tenant is understood to be accountable for repairs. However, if the property’s fence is damaged by weather or another outside source or if the fence was neglected or falling down upon move in, the responsibility for repairs typically belongs to the property owner. The best way to determine responsibility for fence repairs is to include specific, clear language in your lease agreements related to property damage.
What is the Current Condition of the Fence?
It doesn’t matter where your rental property is located; there are state and local laws that necessitate property owners to keep their rental homes livable and up to code. The focus of these regulations is often on the house itself, which must have sufficient weatherproofing and feature safe and functioning heat, electric, and plumbing systems.
But ensuring a house is fit for compliance with the code would also include the yard and any exterior structures. Because of this, and irrespective of whether they are for decoration purposes or essential to the structure, fences are treated as part of the property and must be kept in good repair. A broken-down fence is a safety hazard and creates unwelcome liabilities for a landlord.
What is the State of Wear and Tear?
Fences require consistent maintenance and repair, the same as any other feature of a rental home. If the fence around your rental home is looking worn or hasn’t been repaired for a long time, it is the responsibility of the property owner to return the fence to good condition. This is true even if a fence becomes more damaged due to tenant mismanagement.
Broken or collapsed sections of fencing is a serious safety hazard for which the property owner is responsible. This includes damage caused by severe weather or vandalism. These situations should be included in a landlord’s insurance policy, which means that it is the landlord’s responsibility to make the necessary repairs.
Who Caused the Damage?
If the fence surrounding your rental home is in good repair but your renter or one of their guests damages it, the tenant is typically answerable for repairs. Such damage must go beyond normal wear and tear, such as hitting the fence with their car or if tenants or guests accidentally break slats or l panels.
Most leases indicate that in the event a renter causes damage to the property or allows others to do so, that renter is then responsible for paying for repairs. If your tenant refuses to do so, most landlord/tenant laws will enable the landlord to take the cost from the security deposit.
Guaranteeing that a comprehensive and thorough move-in/move-out checklist is filled out between every tenant is one way of recording the condition of a rental home’s fence. This protects property owners from claims of existing repairs, as well as the tenant from accusations of negligence. When you hire Real Property Management Azalea City, you can be sure that such steps have been taken and that every feature of your Theodore rental home is being monitored on an even basis. If you are interested in learning more contact us online or by phone at 251-345-6224.
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.
