As a landlord, you may meet a problem when your tenants ask to install a hot tub on your rental property. Although it can create excellent tenant satisfaction and cost savings, hot tub installation has conceivable risks. If the hot tub malfunctions or triggers damage to the property, you may be left with costly repairs and legal disputes. Not only that, poor tenant maintenance can engender hygiene concerns or safety hazards.
That’s why, previous to deciding, it’s necessary to take into account all the conceivable risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to install a hot tub. Seriously think about consulting with legal or insurance professionals to ensure you are protected in case of any issues.
For property owners, deciding if tenants can have a hot tub is contingent on a lot of factors. There are right reasons for allowing or not allowing it. Here are a number of considerations for each option:
Reasons to Allow Tenants to Have a Hot Tub:
- Attracting and Retaining Tenants: Extending amenities, particularly a sauna bath can make your property more appealing to potential tenants, giving the chance to charge higher rent and retain tenants for long periods of time.
- Increased Property Value: Installing a hot tub can amplify the overall value of your property, which can be suitable if you plan to sell in the future.
- Competitive Advantage: In numerous rental markets, setting up a hot tub can give your property a competitive edge over others, helping it stand out and get rented more quickly.
- Tenant Satisfaction: Tenants who fancy the luxury of a hot tub may be more gratified with their living arrangements, which could cause fewer complaints and more suitable relationships.
Reasons Not to Allow Tenants to Have a Hot Tub:
- Maintenance and Costs: Hot tubs call for regular maintenance, for instance, cleaning, water treatment, and feasible repairs. You may need to undertake these costs or pass them on to your tenants, which could put off a few renters.
- Liability and Safety Concerns: Hot tubs can pose safety risks. There is a risk of accidents, injuries, or even lawsuits if someone gets hurt. You may need to acquire additional insurance coverage to secure yourself.
- Potential Property Damage: There’s a risk that the sauna bath could damage the property, for instance, the deck or plumbing, which may indicate costly repairs.
- Local Regulations: A number of local municipalities and homeowners’ associations may have regulations or restrictions on incorporating and using hot tubs. It’s primal to check and observe any such rules.
- Increased Utility Costs: Hot tubs consume electricity and water, which could create higher utility bills. Choose whether you or the tenant will cover these costs.
Assume you are seriously considering allowing your tenants to put up a hot tub on your property. In that event, there are several relevant considerations to bring to mind, for instance, the lease agreement terms, the removal and restoration process, cost responsibilities, and the approval process.
Putting together definite and clear guidelines and rules in the lease agreement is greatly recommended if you make a decision to permit hot tub installation. This can incorporate basic issues similar to maintenance and repair, responsibilities, and usage restrictions, which are principal to ensure the safety of your tenants and protect your property.
If you’re managing rental properties in Hayward and would like more insight on how to write your lease agreement, the Hayward property managers at Real Property Management Masters can help. Contact us online or call us at 510-398-8704 today.
Originally Published on July 3, 2020
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