Every landlord, well almost every landlord, knows they need a written lease. What they may not be aware of is that they need a set of house rules as well. House rules do just what their title suggests. They set out the rules for living in my house and every landlord should have a set of their own house rules.
We have our house rules set up so they are an addendum to our lease. In that way, they have full legal force and effect, just like the lease proper. Break my house rules and you are breaking the terms of our lease, which could very well result in eviction.
Our house rules are usually about a page long and contain all manner of things. Some you would think need not be explained, such as taking your trash out every week or paying your rent on time. Other rules are set by our own design and experiences, like our no smoking inside rule because of that time a tenant caught our house on fire by smoking. Still others are general “catch alls” such as telling everyone to be quiet after 10 PM.
You can design your house rules however you like them (within legal bounds of course), because after all, it is your house.
Three Reasons To Use A Set Of House Rules
You could of course put everything in your lease, but we like to use a separate set house rules for three main reasons.
First, because the house rules are listed in a separate document, the stand out and can be emphasized. It is easier to specifically point to the document and say, “These are the rules that you must follow to live here.” Your prospective tenants will have an easier time focusing on and understanding the rules because they are a separate document.
Second, house rules can be tailored to each house or property. This aspect is helpful since each property is different and thus has different rules. Some have balconies (do not grill on them), some do not. Others have yards to keep up with (cut the grass) while others do not. Some have common areas (don’t put your stuff here), some have shared parking and on and on and on. Could you have a lease for each property? I guess so, but I find that using a tailored house rule document attached to our standard lease is just easier.
Third, a house rules document is easier for everyone to understand. A lease often has to contain legal words and phrases. These words and phrases may not always have a clear meaning to someone who is not familiar with them. House rules however can get right to the point, in clear language. For example, here are a few rules we use.
- You will not disconnect the smoke detector and you will replace the batteries in the smoke detector as needed.
- Do not light candles or fires in the rental unit.
- Don’t wait until Friday at 6pm to tell us your need a repair, because it won’t be done until the next week.
These rules are simply stated and straightforward. They are not full of legalese and everyone can understand what they mean.
Make Sure Your Tenant Understands The House Rules
During the lease signing process, we read every word of our lease and house rules to the tenant. Every word! Sometimes that goes quickly. Sometimes it takes a while as questions are raised and stories are told. I cannot tell you how many times someone will say “You really had a tenant do that?” Yes, that is why it is in the rules that I am reading to you now.
Then, upon signing, documents are scanned and copies e-mailed to the tenants. In this way, when they break the rules (and they will), they cannot say they were not aware of the rules or did not have a copy. You can point towards the lease signing process along with the e-mail and when it was delivered.
Most Tenants Follow The House Rules
Most of your tenants will follow your house rules. They understand the need for them and why they are there. Some will push the limits for sure, but you need to decide how much of a cop you want to be. How much time you want to spend playing cop, judge and jury is up to you and your particular situation. In any event, having a set of house rules will make your landlording life a bit easier.
What are in your house rules? Got an interesting story about why that rule is there? Please share with your comments.
