8 Things You Shouldn’t Have At Your Rental Property
Every renter wants a safe and livable accommodation. So landlords are required to provide necessary amenities such as heat, hot and cold running water, working electricity, and a method for disposing of trash. These amenities makes the rental property more attractive and livable. But some amenities and appliances create maintenance and liability problems. Such amenities often outweigh their benefits to renters without adding any real value to the rental.
Items you shouldn’t have at your rental property
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Ice maker
Ice maker provides the convenience of not having to fill ice trays with water and put them in the freezer. But that convenience wouldn’t match up to the problems you’ll have if someone moves the refrigerator and the water connection leaks. So if you provides a refrigerator that has an ice maker, you should leave it disconnected. A better option is to provide a refrigerator without an ice maker.
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Trampolines
As much as kids love trampolines, some parents won’t allow their children play on it. However, parents that will let their children play on it should buy their own. Many trampolines are potential hazards for kids, even the smaller ones used for tightening abs. So if you have a trampoline in the garage or basement, take it out and keep it in the storage or donate it to your local gym.
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Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors are lightweight doors that are suitable for closets with oversize openings. But there’s one problem. Bi-fold doors are fragile, especially their hardware. Bi-fold doors overhead gliders often come unseated. While fixing it isn’t difficult, odds are you’ll be the one to find the time to do so out of your busy schedule. A good alternative you can use is by-pass doors.
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Trash compactor
The major function of a trash compactor is to turn several bags of trash into one big heavy one. A trash compactor isn’t designed to house glass, plastic or metal. The worst part of it is a trash compactor isn’t emptied frequently making it a magnet for ants, small rodents and pests. A good alternative is to use the alcove the trash compactor occupies as extra storage space for renters.
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Screen doors
Wooden doors warp in the weather while lightweight screen doors are fragile. The possibility of kids and pests poking holes in the screens make these doors less desirable in a rental. Consider storm doors, they are good alternatives.
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Garbage disposal
No doubt, garbage disposal are useful and they aren’t costly to fix or replace. But they often require more maintenance than several other appliances. So think deeply before providing a garbage disposal at your rental, especially if kids live there.
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Dishwasher
Most dishwashers have a lifespan of six years. While they are very useful, most people can do without them. You can avoid maintenance calls, save money on water and electricity by simply transforming the dishwasher alcove into a storage space for renters.
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Swing sets
As much as kids love swings, the possibility of injury should be your concern. Renters who really want their kids to play on swings will let them use the ones at Local Park. Also, think about how difficult it is to maintain the lawn around a swing set. What about swinging chairs on the porch? You should avoid them too. They can break.
Final thought
Providing all the key things renters need will make your property more attractive and accommodating. But providing appliances and amenities that aren’t necessary may create more problems that will outweigh their benefits down the road. So consider the long term benefits, maintenance cost and possibility of injury of every item you intend to provide at your rental.