8. Appliances
Don’t forget to stipulate which appliances are included in the property for use by your tenant. Note each model, make, colors, etc. Why get into specifics? Quite simply: It reduces disputes. Let’s imagine that a tenant moves in and you supply a washer without a dryer, so the tenant brings in their own dryer. But when they move out, they bring their dryer and your washer with them! Without this specific information included in your lease, you could go to court to dispute the matter, trying to get back your dryer or collecting on the security deposit — but it becomes a matter of your word against the tenant’s. Avoid this situation (and other similar ones) by listing and detailing each appliance you own, and which ones your tenants are allowed to use. You might even want to take pictures to protect yourself.
9. Smoking
A big issue between rental property owners and tenants is smoking. You need to get very specific about your rules about smoking, or your tenants could easily find loopholes and you could be left with smoking stains, lingering smoke scent, and other damage to deal with before your next tenant can move in. Be as clear as possible. • 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)? For example, consider:
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