You might be debating whether or not to permit your tenants to use a grill if you own Frisco single-family rental properties. For a variety of reasons, such as the serious fire risk they present, the possibility of injury, and the potential for greasy messes, you might not want to permit grills on the property. However, these risks should be weighed against the tenant’s ability to enjoy living in the rental property. The potential repercussions of banning grills range from annoyance to a disobedient tenant who brings a grill onto the property despite your requests. Before deciding whether to allow your tenants to have a grill, it is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks.
American culture is very centered around the use of barbecue grills and smokers. In the United States, up to seven out of ten adults own one. But the National Fire Protection Association reports that grills cause an average of 10,600 residential fires per year. In addition, approximately 20,000 individuals visit the emergency room each year due to grill-related injuries. The majority of these fires and injuries are brought on by gas or propane grills, the most common kind of grill available. Evidently, the risk of injury or fire alone is sufficient to prohibit grills from your property.
A further drawback of allowing grills is the potential mess that they might create. All grills can leave greasy messes on a deck or patio, and charcoal grills produce ashes. It is possible for your tenant to damage the property if they do not know how to properly dispose of the ashes or clean their grill with the proper cleaners. Surfaces with grease are difficult to remove, and ashes left outside in the wind may blow around and coat the house’s exterior surfaces. Cleaning up both messes is challenging. Additionally, the heat from a grill can cause damage such as melting vinyl siding, scorch marks on wooden decks or railings, and other things. Because it can be difficult to discern whether a tenant will use and clean up after their grill responsibly, you may determine that it is best to prohibit them from having one on the property.
Although, there are some advantages to allowing your tenants to have a grill. Probably the most significant advantage is that allowing grills will increase tenant satisfaction and foster positive tenant relations. Because they’re so popular, giving your tenant permission to have a grill may encourage them to stay in your rental home longer since they will feel at home in their accommodations.
Allowing grills to be used by tenants is something Frisco property managers may do to avoid lease violations. It’s unfortunate, but there’s a good chance that your tenant will still bring a grill onto the property and attempt to hide it even if you tell them they can’t. Instead, you might think about allowing a grill while taking a few sensible safety measures. Electric grills, for instance, are safer than other grill types and are less likely to start structural fires. The reason behind this is the absence of open flames in electric grills. Although having an electric grill may not be your tenant’s first choice, allowing it could help you keep a good relationship with them while avoiding the more significant risks that come with having a gas or charcoal grill. You may also consider including instructions for the grill’s maintenance and cleaning. In the long run, you may discover that reaching an amicable agreement regarding the grills is better for you and your tenant, particularly if it increases the chance that they will adhere to the terms of their lease.
In the end, your rental property, preferences, and circumstance will determine whether you should permit your tenants to have a grill. Whatever you decide, it’s crucial to build a strong relationship with your tenant, include precise language in your lease, and respond to your tenant’s requests in a timely and professional manner.
Would you like to know more about maintaining a successful Frisco rental property and good tenant relations at the same time? Contact us online today or call us directly at 214-721-0727!
Originally published: March 12, 2021
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