The good thing about having a quality fence is that it attracts long-term renters. Many are now looking for a fenced yard when choosing a Weston rental home. But when a fence gets destroyed, who shoulders the price of the repairs? The answer to that question depends on two things: the condition of the fence upon move in and how the fence was damaged.
If the fence surrounding the property is in good repair but damaged by your tenant or their guests, your tenant is normally accountable for needed repairs. However, 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?
The location of your property won’t matter because there are laws and local laws that obligate property owners to make sure that their rental homes are habitable 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. For this reason, and regardless of whether they are elaborate or significant to the structure, fences are considered part of the property and must be kept in good repair. A broken-down fence is a safety hazard and creates unwelcome liabilities for a landlord.
What is the State of Wear and Tear?
Fences have to be maintained on a regular basis, just like any other feature of a rental home. 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 correct even though a fence becomes more flawed because of tenant mismanagement.
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 situations should be covered by a landlord’s insurance policy, which means that it is the landlord’s responsibility to make the inevitable repairs.
Who Caused the Damage?
If the fence encompassing your rental home is in an excellent state yet your renter, or one of their guests scratches it, the tenant is usually responsible for repairs. 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.
Majority leases assert that in the event a renter causes damage to the property or allows others to do so, that renter is then responsible for paying for repairs. If your tenant declines to do so, most landlord/tenant laws will authorize the landlord to subtract the amount from the security deposit.
Ensuring that a complete and detailed move-in/move-out checklist is filled out amid every tenant is one way of documenting the status of a rental home’s fence. This protects property owners from claims of existing repairs, as well as the tenant from accusations of negligence. When you pick Real Property Management Premier, you can be certain that such steps have been exerted and that every aspect of your Weston rental home is being watched on a routine basis. If you are interested in learning more contact us online or by phone at 954-362-5235.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
