Guest or Tenant? A Guide to Creating and Enforcing a Guest Policy at Your Rental Property

If you are an owner of a rental property then here is the Guide to Creating and Enforcing a Guest Policy at Your Rental Property. As a landlord, maintaining open communication with your renters is important. This way, issues with the property or your renter’s tenancy can be solved quickly and internally rather than becoming a much larger problem.

Every renter is allowed to welcome guests into their space at their discretion. However, what happens when the line between guest and renter becomes blurred? Situations like this can make it difficult for landlords to properly manage their property.

Additionally, your tenant may be overstepping the boundaries outlined in their lease by bringing on another resident.

Tenants vs. Guests: What’s the Difference?

The difference between a tenant and a guest can be difficult to determine in some situations, but usually, the boundary is clear. A guest is anyone who comes to visit your property for a short time. Their name is not on the lease, and they do not claim your rental property as their residence.

How to Tell if a Guest Is Becoming a Tenant

If you think one of your tenant’s guests is venturing into tenancy territory, there are a few key signs to look out for.

For example, it’s perfectly normal for some guests, such as significant others or family members, to sleep over sometimes. However, if you notice guests parking overnight and staying over more often than they don’t, they may be in a gray area.

Guests who have keys or pay a portion of the rent can also easily be considered tenants. If your renter asks for an additional key for their guest or a frequent guest offers to pay a portion of the rent, you might have to speak with your tenant or restructure your lease agreement.

Keep in mind that when monitoring your rental property for signs of unlawful tenancy, you may be violating your renter’s rights to privacy. Make sure that any monitoring devices or in-person check-ins are clearly communicated to the tenants on your lease.

Tips and Guide to Creating and Enforcing a Guest Policy at Your Rental Property

 

Since the line between guest and tenant can become blurry, having a guest policy in place is important. Any reputable firm for property management in San Diego will agree that overcommunication is better than poor communication.

For example, you may never need to refer to your guest policy with your tenant. However, if you don’t have one in place and a tenant is pushing boundaries with their guests, you could be in trouble. Communicating your tenant’s expectations clearly within their lease agreement will help you avoid legal issues in this kind of situation.

Never created a policy like this before? Here are a few tips to follow when writing up your guest policy, as well as suggestions for enforcing it.

Determine Your Boundaries Between Tenants and Guests

If you’re looking for a standard guest policy for landlords and their renters, you can consult with professional property management in San Diego or find a template online. However, the most effective guest policy will be unique to you and your preferences, as well as your renter’s needs.

Take time to determine what level of visitation or guest involvement you’re comfortable with on your property.

Don’t forget to take your specific renter’s situation into account. For example, a renter with a chronic health issue may need assistance from an at-home caregiver on a very consistent basis, and it’s up to you to decide whether that person should be considered to be a tenant or a guest.

Plan a Course of Action

What happens if your renter is not abiding by your openly communicated guest policy? Decide what your first step will be to solve the issue if this happens.

You could start by giving your tenant a warning and letting them know that an update to the lease agreement with a rent increase will follow if they ignore it. Eventually, you may have to take legal action against them.

Hire Property Management in San Diego

Managing your own rental property can become extremely complicated and time-consuming, making it next to impossible to juggle with other responsibilities.

That’s why hiring property management in San Diego is recommended. You’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind knowing your property is being run optimally, not to mention a much greater return on investment.

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