One of the best reasons for a fence is that it is an essential draw for long-term renters. It is a fact that if a Burbank rental house has a fence in it, many renters will most likely choose it. Most notably in the single-family rental home market, however, when the fence gets damaged the question then lingers as to who will shoulder the expenses for repairing it? 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 encompassing the property is in choice form but destroyed by your tenant or their guests, your tenant is usually tied to the necessary 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 does not matter where the rental property is since there are state and local laws that require property owners to make sure that they are doing their best to keep their rental homes in a livable and up to code state. 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. Therefore, and irrespective of whether they are ornamental or relevant to the construction, fences are considered 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 need proper 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 valid even if a fence becomes more broken due to tenant abuse.
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 covered by a landlord’s insurance policy, meaning that it is the landlord’s responsibility to keep up with what repair is required.
Who Caused the Damage?
If the fence around your rental home is in good repair, but your renter or one of their guests destroys it, the tenant is customarily held liable for the upkeeps. 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.
Common leases state that lest a renter is the reason for the 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 deduct the cost from the security deposit.
Ensuring that a complete and detailed move-in/move-out checklist is filled out between every tenant is one way of documenting 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 Vision, you can be confident that such steps have been exercised and that every aspect of your Burbank rental home is being observed regularly. If you are interested in learning more contact us online or by phone at 818-233-8789.
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