When the weather starts to warm up, it can naturally get a tenant’s green thumb itching to start a garden. Nonetheless, as a McKinney landlord, you are generally more concerned in increasing the value of your investment property. A tenant’s desire for a garden can periodically 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 comes with both pros and cons. Before you give your tenant permission to start digging, here are some vital components to check first.
Local Ordinances
It may take you aback to know that lots 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. Thus, secure to inspect your local ordinances before consenting to any garden requests.
Potential Advantages
Having a garden in the backyard may increase the value of your property in the majority of cases. It is contingent on your target renter demographic and where your property is located. If your tenant likes a garden very badly, granting them to do so could make them really happy, which will probably incite 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 let them plant their garden.
Costs of Restoration
However, it’s necessary to also consider the downsides of allowing your tenant to put garden beds in the yard. As an illustration, if your current tenant leaves, you may be stuck with the chore of restoring the yard to its original condition. This will comprise costs that may or may not be fully covered by their security deposit, which insinuates you’ll be paying out of pocket to get it accomplished.
Neglect by Future Tenants
Another likely difficulty with permitting garden beds is what happens when your current tenant leaves. If you choose to keep the garden beds, there is no surety that your next tenant will have the skills or hope to keep them tidy and weed-free. The added problem of yard maintenance could give rise to overall neglect of the property’s landscaping, which would be a threat to your property values and create headaches for you.
Consider Compromise
Despite the fact you’ve already chosen to refuse your tenant’s request for garden beds, you could take into account giving them a compromise instead. By way of illustration, maybe you could authorize some new flower beds along a walkway or under a window instead of larger garden beds. Or, think about permitting large containers for their garden project, like raised planters or tubs. These can be set on a patio or in a discreet location not to damage existing landscaping but still certainly give your tenant the joy of growing things.
When it comes to tenant garden beds, it’s critical to look at all aspects of the question prior to making your decision. Each property and situation is different, so ultimately, only you can decide.
But as a matter of fact, you don’t need to make difficult decisions about your investment property all on your own. At Real Property Management One Source, we have experienced McKinney property managers who pair up and work closely with rental property investors like you to assist and help handle tenant requests and protect your property’s value. Contact us today to learn more.
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