When renting out your property, accidents and damages are bound to happen. As a landlord, you need to be strategic in reducing tenant damage to maintain the value of your property and continue attracting new renters.
The Difference Between Normal Wear and Tear and Damage Caused by Tenants
Landlords need to be able to tell if certain damage is attributed to normal wear and tear or a tenant’s negligence and abuse. Proper identification makes it easy to tackle and assign responsibility for the repair costs. Knowing the difference between these two types of damage can also protect your landlord-tenant relationship and de-escalate potential conflicts.
Normal wear and tear reduces your property value, but it’s natural as the property ages, and blame can’t be put on the tenant. On the other hand, damage caused by tenants can be a product of negligence and can be intentional. Tenants with pets can also cause excessive damage, necessitating more repairs or replacements of furnishing around the unit.
Common Causes Behind Tenant Damage
Here are some of the primary causes of tenant damage on rental properties.
Neglect
Simple tenant neglect can even cause damage. If a tenant does not wipe moisture from wooden furniture, for example, then it can lead to rotting wood. This lack of attention can end up being very costly.
Tenants may also fail to inform the landlord about essential repairs that can lead to costly problems later on. This is why landlords should be consistent in running property inspections to check on the condition of their rental space.
Insufficient Maintenance Expertise
It’s not uncommon for damages to occur to appliances due to a tenant’s lack of knowledge on its proper usage. This is why you should conduct an orientation before tenants move in to show them how specific items work. This way the likelihood of misuse and overuse will be greatly reduced.
Insufficient Housekeeping
Another type of renter that can cause damage to your unit is those that don’t properly clean the unit. Dirt and dust can accumulate over time and if left ignored, this causes a decline in property value. To solve this, you can give residents an option for professional cleaning at a fixed price so your unit remains in a good state.
Damage Caused by Accidents or Intention
Accidents are unpredictable and can lead to property damage. It may require you to budget money for broken windows, scratched floors, and stained carpets. However, a rare type of renter may also damage your unit intentionally. It pays to screen renters properly to avoid welcoming this type of occupant.
Unapproved Property Changes or Pets
Another issue is some renters will fail to get your approval when doing a DIY project, which can lead to property damage. They may drill holes, replace tiling, or paint walls without permission.
Others may also decide to own a pet without approval, which can lead to scratched floors, damaged walls and stained carpets, all of which you may be unprepared for. Make sure to detail your pet policy in your lease to avoid this issue with your renters.
How to Prevent Damages Caused By Renters
There are various ways to manage the risk of property damage. Apply the following solutions to ensure that your unit is in great shape.
Be Detailed In Screening Tenants
Although it can be exhausting to be thorough in your tenant screening process, it is crucial to evaluate a potential tenant’s background. Find out whether they have been previously evicted or have a criminal record. It is best to verify their source of income as well to know if they are capable of meeting the monthly rent.
We recommend asking for references so you can check the rental history of the candidate and find out whether they are a good tenant.
Draft Solid Lease Contracts
To prevent conflicts, make sure your lease agreement is complete and provide details on tenant-caused damage in comparison with wear and tear. This helps renters identify each scenario and reduces potential disputes later on.
Include the responsibilities of the renter, especially concerning property maintenance. Provide full info on the consequences of violating the property policies, which can include eviction. When you are direct with terms and conditions, renters know what to expect. As a result, they will be more compliant to avoid being evicted.
Perform Regular Property Inspections
Before a renter moves in, you can conduct a tenant walkthrough inspection to ensure you’re both on the same page. Regularly inspecting for six months can help you determine the maintenance needs of your unit.
If you discover damage, make sure to attend to it promptly rather than fixing things when a tenant has already transferred since this can create inconvenience.
Ask For Security Deposits
Requesting a security deposit is a common practice among landlords to limit excess damage. Ensure that renters are informed when you deduct repair and cleaning fees from the deposit. Note that repair costs due to normal wear and tear should be shouldered by the landlord.
Renters should also know how the security deposit refund process works and when they can expect their deposit to be returned, so conflicts will be avoided.
Prioritize Repairs And Renovations
Engage the services of excellent contractors to take care of your investment property. When upgrading your unit, decide on using the best materials to reduce wear and tear.
Keep Detailed Records
As a business, you need to protect yourself from future legal battles. Store documents properly and keep a record of your communications with tenants, including property inspections and repairs done.
Bottom Line
Applying the tips above can help reduce tenant damage on your property. Strive to make your rental safe for residents. You can also partner with a professional property management company to help keep your rental in outstanding condition.
Contact Stringer Management today to learn about the extensive services we offer!
