If your La Cañada Flintridge rental property has a porch or patio, you may be thinking about buying furniture for it. Nevertheless, a lovely outdoor space can add a lot to a rental home’s curb appeal. Yet, before you begin shopping, there are a lot of things you need to consider carefully. Every rental property is different, and so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether outdoor furniture is the right choice for you and your tenants. Thus, it’s imperative to consider all of the potential benefits and drawbacks before providing outdoor furniture to your tenants.
Perhaps the first thing to consider is how long patio furniture might last. Before spending money on anything for your rental home, you need to determine whether that investment will pay for itself. Part of that analysis is figuring out the life expectancy of any outdoor furniture you intend to purchase. Unlike other elements of your investment property, there is no one number you can use.
The lifespan of your outdoor furniture differs significantly based on materials, construction, daily wear, and maintenance. Higher-quality furniture will probably last longer than cheaper items, but heavy use could shorten the life of any outdoor furniture pieces. In addition, if your tenant rarely covers or cares for the furniture, dirt, rust, or sun, rain, or snow exposure could rapidly transform that beautiful outdoor chair or table into an eyesore.
Another important factor to bear in mind when purchasing outdoor furniture for your La Cañada Flintridge rental property is whether the backyard and your property’s location is suited for it. Trying to fill a small patio or porch with large furniture is not appropriate, as well as adding very small pieces to a large space. Either one might make your property’s outdoor spaces look uncomfortable, rather than inviting.
It is also necessary to consider how your tenants use the space, your landscape design, and what types of outdoor furniture would best compliment the house. Certain materials may not last long in some climates, while others are an injury lawsuit waiting to happen. For example, metal furniture can get very hot in the sun and cause serious burns in warmer climates, especially during the summer.
When deciding to get outdoor furniture, it’s also an excellent idea to consider the question from your tenant’s perspective. Some tenants may already have some patio and other furniture, and may not want the furniture you provide. It can develop a whole new list of issues involving where to store the unused furniture.
Moreover, if you don’t provide outdoor furniture, your tenants might decide to “decorate” the porch or patio with furniture that is not designed for outdoor use. Setting a sofa or other unsuitable furniture outside of your rental home could immediately turn into a serious problem. Not only will the fabric invite bugs, rodents, and mold, it will also start to look and smell terrible in a short amount of time. When you have already set up your outdoor furniture, you greatly reduce the chances that your tenant will add unsuitable furniture of their own.
Ultimately, buying outdoor furniture for your La Cañada Flintridge rental property is a decision only you can decide. But with the correct data and some careful research, you can more easily determine which route makes sense for your investment properties.
Looking for more advice, or even someone to manage your rental? Reach out to Real Property Management Vision! Contact us online or call us at 818-233-8789 today.
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