If you have a tenant with a green thumb, you will likely get a request to start a garden when the weather starts to warm up. But because you are a Locust Grove landlord, you will mostly be interested in increasing the value of your property. A tenant’s desire for a garden can sometimes be at odds with your need to protect your property from changes, however small. There are a number of both pros and cons of allowing your renters to plant garden beds in the yard of your rental house. Before permitting your tenant to start digging, here are some things you should consider.
Local Ordinances
Many towns have laws prohibiting residential owners from growing gardens, especially in the front yard. Some restrict the type of plants that can be grown or how much water a property resident can use. It is a must to research your local ordinances before agreeing to any garden requests.
Potential Advantages
In some cases, your property’s value may increase if you have a garden in the backyard. This is especially true if it fits the profile of your target renter demographics and the location of your property. If your tenant really wants that garden, you would make them very happy by agreeing to their request, which will likely entice them to stay longer in your rental. Happy tenants usually result in better long-term cash flow, and it will be worth the risk to let them plant their garden.
Costs of Restoration
On the other hand, you must consider the downsides of allowing your tenant to put garden beds in the yard. For one, if your current tenant leaves, you may be stuck with the task of restoring the yard to its original condition. Your tenant’s security deposit may not cover the entire cost of the job, which means you will be paying out of your own pocket to get it done.
Neglect by Future Tenants
If you allow garden beds, you will have to worry about what happens to them when your current tenant leaves. If you decide to keep the garden beds, you cannot guarantee that the next tenant will want or know how to keep them tidy and weed-free. This could mean additional yard maintenance and may lead to overall neglect of the property’s landscaping, which would threaten your property values and creates other problems for you.
Consider Compromise
You can refuse your tenant’s request for garden beds, and offer them a compromise instead. Instead of large garden beds, maybe you can settle for flower beds along a walkway or under a window. Or allow them to use large containers for their garden projects, such as raised planters or tubs. These can be placed on a patio or someplace where it would not damage the existing landscaping but still let your tenant enjoy the pleasures of growing things.
When it comes to tenant garden beds, it’s important to look at all aspects of the question before making your decision. Since each property and situation is different, you are the only one who can decide.
You do not need to make difficult decisions pertaining to your investment property all on your own. At Real Property Management Anchor, we have experienced Locust Grove property managers who work with rental property investors like you to help handle tenant requests and protect your property’s value. Contact us today to learn more.
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