• installing satellite dishes • changing the locks • taking down and installing window coverings • loud late-night parties • fireworks, firearms, and other hazardous materials 13. Renter’s Insurance I suggest the lease require the tenants to have renter’s insurance. That way, they can’t legally sue you if, say, the house burns down, along with all their contents, and they cry that you didn’t “protect their possessions.” Please consult your attorney to ensure you’re legally allowed to require that they have renter’s insurance.
14. Utilities
Your lease needs to contain a clause about utilities; specifically, what utilities are required to be paid, by whom, and when? Spell out every single utility that the tenant is required to pay. Why is this important? Here’s an all-too-common scenario that occurs when a tenant moves out (and a situation you want to avoid and protect yourself from): A tenant leaves without paying their last two utility bills, and then the utility company won’t turn on service for the next tenant until the unpaid amount has been collected. Your new tenant is left frustrated, without utility service, harming your reputation as a rental property owner, while you’re trying to collect payment from the previous tenant or footing the bill yourself.
15. Above-Ground Pools and Trampolines
You might not have thought of this, but what are your rules for above-ground pools, trampolines, or other hazardous items that could be placed on your property? These are essential legal liabilities waiting to happen! What if someone injures themselves
102
Powered by FlippingBook