People notice a nice fence; whether or not it was there for aesthetic purposes, it is desirable. Many renters look for it when they are choosing a Riverdale rental house, particularly in the single-family rental home market. A fenced yard is something that most long-term renters look forward to. However, when a fence gets damaged, who then foots the bill 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 encompassing the property is in excellent repair but damaged by your tenant or their guests, your tenant is generally responsible for 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?
Location is not much of a factor because there are state and local laws that necessitate property owners to make sure that their rental homes are fit to live in 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. Therefore, and notwithstanding whether they are decorative or essential to the structure, fences are considered part of the property and must be kept back 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 require consistent upkeep and mending, the same as 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 a fact even if a fence becomes further damaged due to tenant misuse.
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 necessary repairs.
Who Caused the Damage?
If the fence throughout your rental home is in excellent condition yet your renter or one of their guests ruins it, the tenant is customarily tied to the 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 of leases affirm that in the event a renter causes destruction to the property or enables others to do so, that renter is then responsible for paying for repairs. If your tenant refuses to do so, most landlord/tenant laws allow the landlord to deduct the cost from the security deposit.
Guaranteeing that a complete and detailed move-in/move-out checklist is filled out between every tenant is one way of detailing the condition 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 hire Real Property Management Northern Utah, you can be confident that such steps have been taken and that every aspect of your Riverdale rental home is being monitored on a regular basis. If you are interested in learning more contact us online or by phone at 801-546-1770.
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.
