If your Ames rental property has a porch or patio, you may be thinking about purchasing furniture for it. An amazing outdoor space can add a lot to a rental home’s curb appeal. But before getting furnishings, there are some critical things to consider meticulously. 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. For this reason, it is important to consider all of the potential pros and cons before you deliver outdoor furniture to your tenants.
Probably the first thing to consider is how long the patio furniture might last. Before purchasing anything for your rental home, it would be best to determine whether that investment will pay for itself. Part of this plan is figuring out the life expectancy of any outdoor furniture you are planning to purchase. Unlike other elements of your investment property, there is no one number you can use.
The lifespan of your outdoor furniture generally depends upon materials, construction, daily wear, and maintenance. Higher-quality furniture will probably last longer than cheaper items, but heavy use could shorten the life of each kind of outdoor furniture. What is more, if your tenant never covers or cares for the furniture, dirt, rust, or sun, rain, or snow exposure might literally turn that beautiful outdoor chair or table into an eyesore.
One important thing to keep in mind before you get outdoor furniture for your Ames rental property is whether the backyard and your property’s location is suited for it. Wanting to fill a small patio or porch with large furniture is not an ideal decision, as well as placing very small pieces in a large space. Either one might make your property’s outdoor spaces look uncomfortable, rather than inviting.
It’s also necessary 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 lawsuit waiting to arise. As an example, metal furniture can get very hot in the sun and cause serious burns in warmer climates, especially during the summer.
When deciding to buy outdoor furniture, it is necessary to consider the question from your tenant’s perspective. Some tenants may already have some patio and other kinds of furniture, and may not want the furniture you provide. That may cause another headache, like where to store the unused furniture.
On the other hand, 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. Adding a sofa or other unsuitable furniture outside of your rental home may result in a big problem. Not only does 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 position, you can reduce the chances that your tenant will add unsuitable furniture of their own.
Sooner or later, buying outdoor furniture for your Ames rental property is a decision only you can make. But if you follow the right method and do some research, you can more easily decide which direction is appropriate for your investment properties.
Looking for more advice, or even someone to manage your rental? Reach out to Real Property Management Iowa! Contact us online or call us at (515) 251-8200 today.