By David Pickron
If you’ve ever purchased a gift for someone, you’re familiar with those three dreaded words you must be on the lookout for: “batteries not included.”
Most of us have experienced that moment on a holiday morning or birthday when the excitement of receiving something new is dashed as the recipient realizes that without power, they just have an empty box and a lifeless gift.
Knowing what is and is not included in any transaction is critical to achieving the end goal of both parties; this is especially true for housing providers.
I recently had a potential tenant who was going through some life challenges ask me if there was any way that I could include a washer and dryer as part of the rental.
Questions like these set off all sorts of alarms in my head. I’ve been at this for more than 20 years and situations like this have rarely ended well for me… but I reluctantly gave in and provided the washer and dryer at move-in.
Here’s why I entered into this agreement reluctantly: If they own the equipment and it breaks, they never call, but if I own the equipment and it breaks, I am the first call and end up playing repairman. Ideally, I avoid these situations, but under certain circumstances I do go that way and when I do, I always do these two key things that will also help to protect your investment.
When it comes to rental property, the number of items a tenant may ask for is unlimited.
In your business, determine in advance what and what will not even be a possibility to include with the property. When it comes to appliances, those that are attached to the property are usually included. I’m talking about items like a dishwasher or oven.
You might include a refrigerator if it is the built-in variety. Usually not included is anything related to laundry, microwaves, BBQ grills, etc. And speaking of grills, if you decide to provide one, make sure you establish that you are not responsible for providing fuel.
I’ve taken the brunt of an angry phone call from a tenant whose dinner party plans were destroyed when the propane ran out halfway through cooking their meal. Same goes for things like yard equipment if you decide to leave a lawn mower for the tenant who wants to maintain the yard. Each of these items present different challenges that require different rules, and it is best to lay out those rules in your lease.
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The lease is your first (and best) line of defense when it comes to items you have included in your property. I would recommend always using language that references the following categories:
Being in this industry is a gift.
I can’t think of another place that would allow me to the opportunity for challenge and growth as much as being a housing provider.
Knowing if and what to include in a lease is paramount to finding success; but without fail, the satisfaction that comes from helping others is definitely “included” in every transaction.
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