All around the country, people eagerly anticipate the arrival of Memorial Day and the promise of summer that it brings. After many years, Memorial Day has become synonymous with holding a barbecue or gathering with family and friends. Your tenants will likely celebrate Memorial Day with a social event of some kind as well.
When talking about social gatherings in your Alexander rental homes, it’s important to know what can be done to keep things under control. Learn more about the top three things you need to know about Memorial Day parties in their rental homes.
1. Put It in the Lease
It can be challenging to keep your residents’ Memorial Day celebrations from becoming events that increase the risk of damage and liability. How many people can be considered too many for your rental home? Can (and should) you try to restrict your residents from consuming alcohol? What is your policy about residents grilling or building fires in the yard? Knowing the answers to these questions in advance can help you manage your resident’s parties even before they happen.
The maximum number of party guests, allowable noise levels, and more can all be addressed in your lease documents. Word your lease documents in such a way that you explicitly limit the number of guests they can have, with larger numbers requiring special permission. “No more than 10 for fewer than four hours” is a popular option, though the number varies.
2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Alcohol and Grilling Policies
Large events like these usually involve the consumption of alcohol. You must include specific language in your lease that addresses illegal activities. This is of utmost importance especially because you can’t legally prohibit alcohol on your property. Your lease must also state the specific consequences of allowing these activities on your property.
Also, when residents want to grill or otherwise have open flames on the property, the lease should have already explained the rules and safety issues related to fire. Even quality barbecue grills can become a fire hazard if misused, so your lease should clearly explain the terms and conditions of using these.
3. Renters Insurance and Renters Legal Liability
You must ensure that your residents have their own renters insurance. Should a large party happen, the possibility of damage and injury increases considerably. If damage or injury does occur, you could be held responsible unless residents have their own insurance coverage.
In regards to any party or social gathering at this time, please keep in mind the current recommendations by the CDC. Though some places in the U.S. are opening back up, a lot of areas still restrict gatherings to a certain number of people. Your Alexander tenants must be mindful of current restrictions within their city or state to keep themselves and your community safe.
Keep your property safe by being diligent in enforcing the terms of the lease agreement. If a party gets out of hand and loud, destructive, or illegal activity is taking place, be sure to act promptly and decisively to hold your residents accountable.
You do not have to do this alone. At Real Property Management Hometown, we will monitor activity in the residence and help you craft lease documents designed to keep party plans within acceptable limits. You can contact us or call us at 501-701-4702 or 501-303-6870 for more info today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
