Adding Patio to Fourplex

[Jared Schweiss]

Hi all - I am house hacking a Fourplex with a good sized backyard. All the tenants have been very good so far, and one recently asked me if they could set up a few patio chairs in the backyard. I said yes already and voiced as long as they kept I tidy it shouldn’t be an issue. That said, there is currently no patio in the backyard. I was already thinking of adding one in, however this is making me think of doing it now rather than later. The area around me doesn’t have many multifamilies. Some of the houses have small decks or patios, and some don’t.

I’d appreciate opinions on adding a patio and allowing tenants to put patio furniture on it. I also currently mow the yard myself, but would hire it out in the future.

Some of the initial questions I had are:

Does patios increase resale value for multi-families?

Do patios strengthen or worsen rent?

Any recommendations for additions to the lease?

Any feedback is more than appreciated!

[Alan Asriants]

Having a patio or a deck in a home will always bring more value. A deck more so than a patio in my opinion, but it also depends what kind of patio if it's just poured concrete if it's made with pavers, etc. 

No a patio won't bring you the best ROI by any means IMO, but it won't hurt.

If you're living there and you plan on living there for a little bit but I don't see what the harm is in it especially if you want it. 

So by all means, go for a patio if that's what you want. 

For the language in the lease, I would just add provisions there on what you're comfortable with. For example, no patio furniture besides the ones that you want on there. 

While I don't think having a patio can get you more rent. It can make you stand out from the competition