Rental properties are an investment, and the right Landlord Insurance can help protect that investment. Normal wear and tear on a property is… well… normal; however, discovering a tenant has trashed your property is frustrating as you consider all the wasted time, money, physical and emotional energy, and other resources to replace and repair damaged items.
Today, returning a damaged property to a rentable space takes more time and effort than ever. Supplies cost more and are harder to come by. Finding a good contractor to do the repairs can be more challenging. Therefore, the best approach – as is so often the case – is to be proactive by minimizing the risk of a tenant trashing your rental property.
8 Tips to Keep Renters From Trashing Your Property
- Screen Potential Tenants
All potential tenants should be thoroughly screened. Screening includes running credit, rental history, background checks, talking to current employer, landlord, and references, interviewing the applicant, etc. Always remember to treat potential tenants equally and fairly and to follow all local, state, and federal fair housing laws. Typically, tenants who are responsible with their finances, employment, previous rentals, etc., will be more responsible with your property. - Collect a Security Deposit
"A security deposit is money that belongs to the tenant but [is] held by the landlord for protection against damages," the Housing Equality Center of PA "The tenant is responsible for the rental payments for the entire length of the lease. When the lease has expired, the tenant should have the security deposit returned to them minus any damages to the property." Currently, Pennsylvania law allows a maximum of two month's rent for a security deposit for the first year. Knowing they could lose that money incentivizes many renters to take care of your property. - Take Photos Before Tenants Move in
Document the condition of your property before a tenant moves in with photos and a written document that the tenant signs to show they agree on the move-in condition of the property. - Draft a Thorough Lease Agreement
To help avoid future issues, draft a thorough lease (or rental) agreement and review it with your new tenant before you both sign it. A lease agreement is a binding contract that lays out the rights and responsibilities of you and the tenant. It should include security deposits and fees, repair and maintenance policies, your right to enter the rental property, rules and policies, etc. - Schedule Inspections
Include a provision for regular inspections in the lease agreement so you can regularly check the property to ensure that tenants are taking care of it and keep a minor issue (like a small leak under the sink) from becoming a bigger, more expensive repair. - Keep the Rental Property Maintained
As we said, minor issues can become bigger, more expensive repairs. Therefore, regular inspections and maintenance can go a long way to minimizing property damage. Plus, if the renter sees that you are doing your best to maintain and provide the best living conditions, they may be more likely to do the same. - Take Immediate Action if a Tenant Stops Paying Rent
Failure to pay rent is an obvious red flag that the tenant may not be as responsible as you had hoped and may be causing damage to your property. Don't hope the issue goes away. Instead, take immediate action. - Get the Right Landlord Insurance
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a tenant will damage your property. It's best to consult an experienced insurance agent to ensure you have the right landlord insurance to protect your property. Due to the increased risk inherent in a rental property, a homeowner's insurance policy will not cover damage to a rental property.
Don't Overpay For Landlord Insurance!
At American Insuring Group, we offer comprehensive landlord insurance policies that cover a range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. Our affordable policies protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
You can rely on our independent agents p to provide the protection you need at the best price because we compare pricing and coverage from competing insurance companies to find the right protection at the right price.
Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.
