Sometimes, the biggest failure isn’t the thing you do wrong, but the thing you don’t do at all. In the rental industry, one example of this is in the lease. It’s important to make sure you treat your lease with care, and one area that is often looked over is the guest policy.
As a landlord or property owner, it is imperative that you have a concrete guest policy in place. You may find that not having a good guest policy in place can lead to huge burdens on you, your finances, your team, and your resident base.
Here’s 4 things a strong guest policy does for your lease:
Prevents Unauthorized Occupancy
One major goal of a guest policy is preventing unauthorized occupancy. While your lease should have a section on subletting, it is important to have clearly defined guidelines in your guest policy that explain when a guest has overstayed the property’s welcome. Unauthorized sublets can lead to disaster. In events of emergency, it is important that you or your property
management team know who is to be accounted for. This means knowing your resident base. It is often impossible to know how many people occupy a space, and even who occupies a space, if a resident is secretly subletting.
Having a guest policy that states how long a guest can visit or stay will help you avoid any legal concerns with unauthorized sublets.
Protects Other Residents
Placing limits in your lease’s guest policy on how many people can visit at once is important.
When many guests are entering a property where multiple residents are present, it can create an opportunity for risk. It’s important to moderate the volume of guests, so you’ll be the first to know if there are concerns surrounding safety at the property.
Note: Your guest policy should also make residents aware that they are responsible for any
property damage or legal concerns that arise due to actions their guests take. Shifting
responsibility to the leaseholder makes maintaining guest policies an easier process and protects other residents and their homes.
Avoids Overcrowding and Legal Concerns
Speaking of legality, many cities and states hold occupancy guidelines. For example, in
Baltimore County, only 2 unrelated people can share a bedroom. There are rules and regulations as to how many rooms must be available in an apartment per occupancy amount. Oftentimes, having long-term guests can cause legal risks for landlords.
If a guest stays too long, they could legally be considered a resident. In many events, this occurs after 14 consecutive days. In Maryland, contributing any portion towards the rent can qualify a guest as a tenant. Even if you report a guest to the court, letting guests break policies will often cost you in the long run, with legal fees and time that could have been better spent.
Ensures Fair Resident Treatment
Yes, even your guest policy can protect you from Fair Housing complaints. A clearly defined
policy that is well executed sets the tone for all your residents. Having these policies listed offers fewer opportunities for residents to break them.
When it comes to executing policies, it is important to ensure your property manager and office staff are following the lease. A strong policy avoids favoritism or discrimination when addressing guest concerns and protects you from fair housing violations.
Overall, having a well-written guest policy in your lease is a smart move for landlords aiming to create a positive and well-managed rental environment. The policy ensures property protection, safety, and security, while also promoting resident comfort and guest accountability. By setting clear expectations and complying with local laws, landlords can enhance property management efficiency and maintain a reputation for providing a comfortable and responsible living experience for their residents.
Not sure if your guest policy is up to standards? Reach out for a consultation with an
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