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At one of my properties, the backyard is rather sizeable, except it's not fenced in. I have had applicants decide against the property because of the lack of fence and thus the lack of a place for their dogs to play. So, putting in a chain-linked fence has always been on the back of my mind for the yard. I have new tenants that say they would love to put one in for their dog, and one claims to have experience doing it (he works at a remodeling company or something). On the one hand, starting off on a good foot seems to be pretty good in my mind, especially if it involves doing something I already wanted to do at some point (although if not so soon, I've been on the fence about it... get it? ). On the other hand, I'm not sure how to handle costs to pay for it, as it sounds like it could cost many dollars (the perimeter is probably 200 ft), which I don't want to shell out this month.
How do other LLs here go about doing improvements to your property that the tenants want and that you already wanted to do?
You pay for the improvements because it's your property and you'll reap the rewards for it either in increased rent at the time of lease renewal, or if you ultimately sell it. Just because the tenant asks for an improvement doesn't mean they share in the cost. It's your property, do you decide what capital improvements to do and when to do them. In an effort to foster good communication with your tenants, you could tell them that you plan to add the fence, but you will do it in a few months (or whenever your timetable is), but I wouldn't share with them that it's because you can't afford it right now. That piece isn't their concern. I wouldn't allow the tenant to do the work either because it just complicates your LL/tenant relationship on several levels. Even if he's licensed to do the work (I wouldn't use anyone who's unlicensed or uninsured), he may want a rent reduction in exchange for the work, then there will be resentment if you decide to raise his rent because a fence is a capital improvement; or he may start to feel entitled to make changes to your property without your permission and then expect you to pay for his labor or reimburse his expenses on improvements you may not have wanted or been prepared to finance. If he make enough improvements over time, he might even try to claim partial ownership or sweat equity because he made the improvements at a discount to you, which increased the property's value. Stranger claims have been made by tenants against LL's, so you don't want him to dig any proverbial hooks into your property that way. It blurs the lines in your business relationship and it's best never to do that.
Last edited by FairMindedLL; 10-09-2016 at 12:12 PM..
So, it feels like the best route is to pay for it myself and do the work myself (I'm handy enough for a chain-linked fence). I feel like the tenant could benefit unfairly if they end up not renewing (they are new, so I don't think this is really likely), and I basically have a year where I don't get increased rent for the fence.
On the other hand, they are paying a $20/month fee for their dog, and if the dog is outside most of the time, that's less damage to the house. Probably worth it to get the fence up ASAP then I suppose.
At one of my properties, the backyard is rather sizeable, except it's not fenced in. I have had applicants decide against the property because of the lack of fence and thus the lack of a place for their dogs to play. So, putting in a chain-linked fence has always been on the back of my mind for the yard. I have new tenants that say they would love to put one in for their dog, and one claims to have experience doing it (he works at a remodeling company or something). On the one hand, starting off on a good foot seems to be pretty good in my mind, especially if it involves doing something I already wanted to do at some point (although if not so soon, I've been on the fence about it... get it? ). On the other hand, I'm not sure how to handle costs to pay for it, as it sounds like it could cost many dollars (the perimeter is probably 200 ft), which I don't want to shell out this month.
How do other LLs here go about doing improvements to your property that the tenants want and that you already wanted to do?
I have bartered rent for work on occasion. I'd make sure this renter does know how to install the fence first though.
What can happen is you buy the supplies, and he (and usually couple his friends) do the installation. And you give him a by on a months rent. That's my suggestion.
If you aren't comfortable, just explain it is pending for the future.
I can't charge a non-refundable pet fee in Oregon, but pet rent and pet deposit are legal. I don't know of any other state where you can not charge a non-refundable pet fee, except maybe for California. I've never heard of any state where you can't charge additional rent to accept a pet.
Maybe someone on this forum lives in a state where it is illegal to charge extra for a pet and will speak up. I suspect that it is illegal in Canada.
I can't charge a non-refundable pet fee in Oregon, but pet rent and pet deposit are legal. I don't know of any other state where you can not charge a non-refundable pet fee, except maybe for California. I've never heard of any state where you can't charge additional rent to accept a pet.
Maybe someone on this forum lives in a state where it is illegal to charge extra for a pet and will speak up. I suspect that it is illegal in Canada.
WI is a state where no type of non-refundable fee is allowed. Everything that is collected up front that is other than rent has to be part of the security deposit and is refundable. However, additional rent per month for pets can be charged.
I can't charge a non-refundable pet fee in Oregon, but pet rent and pet deposit are legal. I don't know of any other state where you can not charge a non-refundable pet fee, except maybe for California. I've never heard of any state where you can't charge additional rent to accept a pet.
Maybe someone on this forum lives in a state where it is illegal to charge extra for a pet and will speak up. I suspect that it is illegal in Canada.
What in the world is the difference between a "non-refundable pet fee" and "pet rent"? Why does Oregon keep popping up as having weird LL-Tenant laws.
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). On the other hand, I'm not sure how to handle costs to pay for it, as it sounds like it could cost many dollars (the perimeter is probably 200 ft), which I don't want to shell out this month.
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