other damage to deal with before your next tenant can move in. Be as clear as possible.
For example, consider:
• Will you allow smoking at all? • Will you allow smoking outside, but not inside? • Will you allow smoking in the backyard, the garage, the porch, etc.? • How many feet away from your home will you allow smoking (if at all)?
10. Pets
Along with smoking, pets can be a major area of contention. This is another area where you need to be careful and specific about your rules. If you don’t allow any pets under any circumstances, then be sure that’s clearly spelled out in your lease. Some rental property owners find this is the way to go, just to simplify things. However, there are plenty of pet owners looking for a place to rent, and some owners prefer to open up their “base” of tenant applicants by allowing certain types of pets under certain types of rules. If you do decide to allow pets, include a pet deposit, and determine how much this will be and whether it’s refundable. You’ll also need to include penalties in the lease penalties for either a) property damage done by a tenant’s pet(s); or b) tenants sneaking in pets if you have a strict no-pet policy. Ask your attorney about your rights to seek reimbursement if a tenant’s pet causes damage to your property.
11. Use of Premises
Carefully spell out the use of your premises. Some examples are
95
Powered by FlippingBook