Property management companies often handle calls from tenants involving getting locked out or needing a repair to be made. Occasionally tenants can call asking for something a little different. 

Below are 5 uncommon calls that property managers handle.

Exotic Pet Requests

For the majority of tenants, wanting to keep a pet is normal. A cat, dog, or goldfish is incredibly common to be allowed in rentals nowadays. This keeps tenants happy, which in turn leads them to stay at your Long Beach rental property for a more extended period

What if your tenant has crazy pet requests?

Exotic pets can be as tame as a guinea pig, hamster, or rabbit, which can seem relatively unremarkable even though they are tagged as “exotic” pets. However, this can also include reptiles, birds, and large aquariums. Many landlords may feel uneasy about having animals that require live insects as food due to the potential for pest problems in the future. Birds, although smart, can be loud and bother neighbors, especially if the tenant shares a wall. Large aquariums run a risk of leaking and causing water damage to the walls, floor, and carpet. For this reason, many landlords reject renting their properties to tenants with exotic pets.

If you can justify the risks and allow exotic pets, it needs to be specified in your lease agreement. A detailed policy on exotic pets must be understandable for the tenant and yourself. The policy should cover cleaning messes. Limits on the pet relate to the number of pets, breed, and weight—a complete veterinary record disclosing disease prevention and vaccination requirements. If possible, a written reference from the previous landlord as to the behavior of the pet. As well as an increase to the security deposit in case the pet causes additional damage. 

Wanting to Change the Locks

If a tenant asks to change the rental property's locks, there may be something else wrong, as this is an unusual request. Though it’s probably in everyone's best interest to change them, as this gives them a reason to trust you, and you can avoid them changing the locks anyway. As unfortunate as it may sound, in California, if a tenant decides to change their locks, they can, even if stated otherwise on the lease agreement. Worse, they don’t need to provide you with a spare key. However, you can file an unlawful detainer action against your tenants if this occurs.

Wanting to do Paint Walls

Some tenants feel the need to make a rental feel unique to them. They may request permission to paint interior walls. Although this may seem innocuous, especially if they are willing to pay for the material and labor, it may cost you. It's no secret that tenants aren’t always very handy. If you allow a tenant to paint interior walls, you risk a poor job being done, meaning you’ll have to spend more time and money repainting it after they leave. Many landlords may outright reject this request or have the tenants pay for a professional job to paint it the color of their choosing and pay to paint it back to the original color after the lease has ended.

Install Security Cameras

Depending on the lease agreement, they may not even need permission if no damage is done to the walls. Many modern security cameras are wireless and rechargeable. The issue arises if they want to place cameras outside the rental where there are guidelines and privacy concerns.

For outdoor cameras, they will have to be mindful of where the cameras are pointing and turn off microphone features so as not to record neighbors if they choose to install a video doorbell.

Wanting to Change Fixtures

Your tenant may need more light in a room or a quieter fan if they work from home. They may request to be allowed to change their fixtures. Generally, landlords will deny this request as often a professional is required to do the work safely. 

What if the tenant is willing to pay to get the change?

Like painting the walls, if you allow them to replace fixtures, it's best practice to make sure they change them back before moving out. To keep the rental in its original form.

Property management companies are meant to deal with your tenant's calls. If your tenant has an unusual request or wants more details about our services, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.