Fire pits are a common characteristic in most backyards. While fire pits can be fun, they can also carry a couple of major risks. These risks must make every South Shore rental property owner think twice about approving one at their property. It’s essential for tenant relations to cultivate enjoyment of the home, which involves allowing renters to personalize their indoor and outdoor living spaces – to a certain degree.
Before you say yes to a fire pit request, don’t forget to get all of the information you need to make an informed decision. In the following, we will address a couple of the pros and cons of allowing fire pits on your rental properties, as well as some key factors to consider before responding to a tenant’s request for one.
It’s Just Good Business
Maybe the best explanation to allow a fire pit at your rental is that it is likely to make your tenant happy. Additionally, happy tenants are good for your business. Productive communication is the foundation of owning successful rental properties. Certainly, you also have to set clear limits for your tenant not to attempt to take advantage of your goodwill. Yet, it may be worth considering if a fire pit in the backyard keeps them in your rental longer.
The Downsides
For sure, every situation is unique, so it’s necessary to understand the risks related to residential fire pits – and that these risks may vary depending on who your tenant is and where your rental is sited. Tragically, about 5,000 Americans are injured every year by propane, charcoal, or wood-burning fires.
Because of the popularity of fire pits, persons who were particularly injured by outdoor fireplaces and fire pits tripled in just six years. Fires can become out of control easily, causing more risks to your property as well as the occupants. There is no certainty that your tenant has basic fire safety knowledge, nor will they use good judgment around the open flames in their fire pit.
Furthermore, several localities have regulations that restrict outdoor fire pits totally or permit them just under certain conditions. It would be great to research these regulations in your specific city, county, and state before allowing a fire pit to be established at your rental home.
More to Consider
Despite the risks, it is vital to bear in mind that correctly setting up and handling a fire pit can help minimize them. If you sense that your tenant is responsible enough to observe proper safety guidelines, you might consider agreeing to a fire pit if certain conditions are met. For instance, you’ll need to get the exact details about what kind of fire pit they prefer, as well as how and where it will be installed on the property. Your property’s curb appeal is necessary to your property values, including your ability to rent the property again in the future. You must guarantee that the fire pit is not an eyesore or generating harm to your yard, patio, or home – the fire pit is placed too close to the siding, for illustration.
Moreover, a responsible tenant should still be instructed in fire pit safety, which you can do yourself. Think about sharing information with them or signing an addendum to the lease which shows their fire pit safety know-how.
Finally, you need to check with your insurance carrier about any possible effect allowing a fire pit may have on your coverage and rates. If you don’t, and your property is damaged, you may not be covered for the repairs. It is beneficial for your tenant to have their own renter’s insurance that covers fire-related injuries and damage.
Deciding whether to allow a fire pit at your rental or not might need a little effort, but it’s advisable to have all the facts before doing so. However, if you’d rather spend your time on other tasks, Real Property Management Associates can assist you. Our South Shore property management professionals can help you handle all of your tenant’s requests and provide valuable advice and information you need to not only keep your tenants (and your property) safe but also profitable. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
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