A durable fence is something a lot of renters look for when choosing a Cedar Park rental house. Notably, in the single-family rental home marketplace, a fenced yard is a decision maker for long-term renters. But for cases wherein a fence gets totaled, who renders payment for repairs? The answer to that question depends on two things: the condition of the fence upon move in and how the fence was damaged.
When the fence in your property is in satisfactory condition but ends up being beat-up by your tenant or their guests, your tenant is obliged to make the necessary repairs. In spite of that, 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?
Regardless of where your rental property is to be found, there are state and local laws that exist wherein they require property homeowners to make their rental homes in good condition and up to code. 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. And accordingly, without regard to whether they are merely for beautification purposes or functional to the construction, fences are counted as part of the property and must be held in good condition. A broken-down fence is a safety hazard and creates unwelcome liabilities for a landlord.
What is the State of Wear and Tear?
Fences are in need of perpetual upkeep and renovation, the same as any other factor in a rental household. 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 true even if a fence becomes totally wrecked because of a tenant’s rough handling.
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 must be safeguarded by a landlord’s insurance policy, which spells out that it is the landlord’s responsibility to facilitate the necessary repairs.
Who Caused the Damage?
If the fence around your rental home is in satisfactory condition but your renter or one of their guests destroys it, the tenant is to blame for restorations. 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.
While most leases state that if ever a renter incites harm to the property or permits somebody to do it, that renter is then liable to pay for repairs. In the event that your tenant declines, most landlord/tenant laws let the landlord withhold the charge from its security deposit.
Making certain that a thorough and complete move-in/move-out checklist is fulfilled with every tenant is one technique of authenticating the situation of a rental household’s fence. This protects property owners from claims of existing repairs, as well as the tenant from accusations of negligence. When you employ Real Property Management Advisors, you can be assured that such things have been engaged and that every part of your Cedar Park rental home is being supervised on a steady basis. If you are interested in learning more contact us online or by phone at 512-777-2597.
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