As a landlord or property manager, there are no laws that say you are obligated to install window coverings in your rental units. But despite this and the fact there are no hard and fast “rules of rentals” per se, you should probably give it some serious consideration. Here are some very good reasons why adding window coverings to your rentals can be a very good idea.
You might be surprised at how many prospective tenants expect the property to come with window coverings. In fact, not having window coverings may be the wrench in the works that sends them packing. Better-quality tenants want a sense of privacy from the moment they move in, but they don’t feel as though they should have to pay for it and that they can’t take them with them to their next home due to custom sizes.
If you leave it up to your tenant to hang their own window coverings, you never know what they are going to come up with. Some might hang sheets, others might go for fluorescent pink plastic blinds. Both of which are likely to violate your home owner’s association rules and regulations. As the property owner or manager, you could end up with a healthy fine and still paying for the cost of installing window coverings that meet the guidelines. Save yourself money and your tenants aggravation, install window coverings in your rental units before you rent them out.
It’s one thing to go to the effort and expense of installing window coverings in all your rental units. It’s a completely different thing to leave their maintenance up to your tenants. Each time a tenant moves out be sure to check them for damage. If you have regular inspections, be sure to check on the coverings during your visit.
If your tenant reports an issue with their window coverings, make sure your maintenance team takes care of it as quickly as possible. The last thing a tenant wants is to deal with several days or more of lost privacy. At the same time, they may resort to temporary coverings like sheets or blankets, which once again can lead to problems with the HOA and fines.
The last thing you need to do when you provide your tenants with window coverings is to make sure they are still in place after your tenants move out. Whether you install Venetian blinds, roller blinds, curtains, or shutters, they all represent a significant cash outlay. The last thing you want is for one of your departing tenants to decide they like your window coverings enough to take them on their way out the door.
Installing window coverings in all your rentals has more benefits than it does disadvantages. Keep in mind; they tend to attract a better-quality tenant, making for longer term tenants who are more likely to take good care of your property. The only risk you have is the cost of the window coverings.
The post You Don’t Have to Provide Window Coverings – But You Should appeared first on McIntire Management.