include:
Pools and sprinkler systems. If you have a pool on your property, think about who’s going to clean and maintain it and ensure its safety. You’ll need to protect yourself from the horrific possibility that a neighborhood kid could wander on to your property, go for a swim, and drown. You don’t want this to happen for several reasons, but one is your own liability. Suddenly you could have a huge lawsuit on your hands because you didn’t include this in your lease. Further, if you have a sprinkler system, you need to consider who will hold the responsibility for taking care of it, and then stipulate accordingly in your lease. Light bulbs. This might seem insignificant, but tenants should hold responsibility for maintaining and updating lightbulbs, as necessary. But it needs to be in the lease. Phone/Internet. Avoid potential disputes regarding phone and Internet expectations by clearly stating the terms in your lease. If you don’t have a landline hookup, then say so, and be sure the tenant agrees. If you won’t provide Internet access or guarantee high-speed Internet, then say so. Drain stoppage. If a tenant plugs up the toilet, are they responsible for addressing and fixing the issue, or are you responsible? Include this in the lease. AC filter. Who’s responsible for maintaining the air-conditioning filter and changing it regularly? Put it in the lease! Lock-out charge. If you don’t include this component in your lease, then you’ll be getting keys for tenants whenever they accidentally lock themselves out as well as allowing yourself to be disrupted at any hour to let the tenant back inside. Most landlords charge a lock-out fee of between $50 to $100.
19. Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Complaints
You absolutely need to have clauses in place that protect you in the event of an HOA complaint.
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