If your Santa Clarita rental property has a porch or patio, you may be thinking about buying furniture for it. In spite of everything, a great outdoor space can add a lot to a rental home’s curb appeal. Nevertheless, before you start shopping, there are several other things to consider carefully. Every rental property is different, and so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether outdoor furniture is the right choice for you and your tenants. That’s why, it’s important to consider all of the potential benefits and drawbacks before giving outdoor furniture to your tenants.
Possibly the first thing to consider is how long patio furniture might last. Before spending money on anything for your rental home, you need to determine whether that investment will pay for itself. Part of that calculating is figuring out the life expectancy for any outdoor furniture you plan to purchase. Unlike other elements of your investment property, there is no one number you can use.
The lifespan of your outdoor furniture varies widely depending on materials, construction, daily wear, and maintenance. Higher-quality furniture will probably last longer than cheaper items, but heavy use could shorten the life of any piece of outdoor furniture. What is more, if your tenant never covers or cares for the furniture, dirt, rust, or sun, rain, or snow exposure could quickly turn that beautiful outdoor chair or table into an eyesore.
One more important thing to ponder before buying outdoor furniture for your Santa Clarita rental property is whether the backyard and your property’s location is suited for it. Trying to fill a small patio or porch with large furniture isn’t a good look, and neither is adding very small pieces to a large space. Either one might make your property’s outdoor spaces look uncomfortable, rather than inviting.
It’s also vital to consider how your tenants use the space, your landscape design, and what types of outdoor furniture would best compliment the house. Certain materials may not last long in some climates, while others are an injury lawsuitwaiting to happen. For example, metal furniture can get very hot in the sun and cause serious burns in warmer climates, especially during the summer.
Before you make the final decision to buy outdoor furniture, it’s even a good idea to consider the question from your tenant’s perspective. Some tenants may already have some patio and other furniture, and may not want the furniture you give them. This may create a whole new list of unwanted matters, including where to store the unused furniture.
Then again, if you don’t provide outdoor furniture, your tenants might decide to “decorate” the porch or patio with furniture that is not designed for outdoor use. Placing a sofa or other unsuitable furniture outside of your rental home could fast become a big problem. Not only will the fabric invite bugs, rodents, and mold, it will also start to look and smell terrible in a short amount of time. If you already have outdoor furniture in place, you significantly reduce the chances that your tenant will add unsuitable furniture of their own.
Eventually, buying outdoor furniture for your Santa Clarita rental property is a decision only you can make. But with the right information and some careful research, you can more easily decide which route makes sense for your investment properties.
Looking for more advice, or even someone to manage your rental? Reach out to Real Property Management Traditions! Contact us online or call us at 661-266-1400 today.
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