Tenant wants to store his motorcycle in my shed

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Tenant wants to store his motorcycle in my shed

Jenna W.
Rental Property Investor · FL · Member since 2019 · 34 posts · 4 votes

Hello

Today, my tenant purchased a motorcycle. He went into my shed, then asked me, since it was not full, if he could store his bike in there for the winter. I said no. My wheelbarrel and lawn mower are out of the shed at the moment, and once they are in there, the bike will not fit. 

I could move my snowblower into my basement and out of the shed for the winter and the bike might barely fit. 

If I allowed this, I would charge him a nominal fee in the winter, to cover storage and insurance if I have to add any, I just don't know if

1.) I have an exposure here I can't think of off the top of my head, or off of google, I couldn't find anything.

2.) can I be specfic that I will not, nor will I allow him to modify the shed in anyway, and he signs off releasing me from any damage caused while in storage ?

I don't love that he didn't ask me before buying, and I don't love that he went into my shed without asking me, so, but I want to make the right decision not the irritated decision.


I own a 2 family and he lives upstairs and I live downstairs. I gave him basement access for a small storage room at no cost when he moved in. He has maintained that okay, having to clean it out once at my direction. he has been here a year, and we have always had an tenant at will agreement, do I add an addendum I have him sign for the storage space for 6 months of the year, or does that constitute a term, which I am trying to stay away from?

Thanks,

Jenna

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David Wandel
Real estate investor · Pasadena, MD · Member since 2016 · 165 posts · 258 votes
6y

How about just tell him "No". He can buy a cover for the motorcycle. they have some that are almost like a mini garage. I don't think you really want to move the snow blower into the basement. You will have to shovel the steps before you can get the snow blower out and if you have a really deep snow fall it could be quite a challenge to get the snow blower out.

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  • Joyce Tavares
    Real Estate Investor · Hayward, CA · Member since 2015 · 134 posts · 88 votes
    6y

    Does he pay his rent on time and take care of the property?  I have let tenants do this if they have renter's insurance, just in case something happens to the bike or your shed.  Is the shed locked?  You should have a release of liability if he is parking it in your shed and it's not in the rental agreement.  Also, it should be stated that if he leaves, the bike leaves, unless you want to charge for storage separately with a separate agreement.  Why can't he put it in public storage for the winter?

    1Reply
  • Aigo Pyles
    Flipper/Rehabber · Memphis, TN · Member since 2020 · 758 posts · 285 votes
    6y

    Is your shed safe? You can make a separate agreement about it.

    0Reply
  • David Wandel
    Real estate investor · Pasadena, MD · Member since 2016 · 165 posts · 258 votes
    6y

    How about just tell him "No". He can buy a cover for the motorcycle. they have some that are almost like a mini garage. I don't think you really want to move the snow blower into the basement. You will have to shovel the steps before you can get the snow blower out and if you have a really deep snow fall it could be quite a challenge to get the snow blower out.

    3Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    6y

    Is your basement a walk out?  I wouldn't want a snowblower in my basement, but that's me.  If your shed is full, there is nothing wrong with telling him there isn't space.  I don't think he should have to consult with you before he bought a bike.  If there is limited parking, as long as it fits in his space, it isn't your worry.  No he should not have gone into the shed, if it is solely for your use.  Also think about the damage the bike might cause going into and out of the shed repeatedly.  

    Could he park it on the side of the shed with a cover over it?

    2Reply
  • Sylvia B.
    Rental Property Investor · Douglas County, MO · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    Just say no.

    0Reply
  • Steve Morris
    Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    I guess, I wouldn't have a problem IF that was the only thing and he was a decent tenant.

    However, talk to your insurance guy and/or atty.  IF you allow this, at a min:

    1) You are NOT creating or implying a BAILMENT (ie if something happens to the bike you're not responsible) AND

    2) Tenant needs some proof (like an insurance declaration) to cover you for any damage to your building (like someone busting a lock to steal it) or his property (say the building collapses or his bike gets stolen).  If you can't get away with some sort of signed "I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE" statement great, but that's an atty thing.

    2Reply
  • Chris Herrera
    Real Estate Agent · Addison, IL · Member since 2015 · 185 posts · 88 votes
    6y

    A lot of it usually comes down to money, how much are you willing to rent it for to make you deal with this paperwork and headaches?

    I lease out a garage and just have a separate clause/lease for it saying the landlord isn’t responsible for any of the tenants property and is allowed to cancel the lease and tow the vehicles with 30 day notice in case it doesn’t make sense anymore.

    if it’s worth the money and they can agree to the terms you set then it’s up to you on how comfortable you are at that point.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2020 · 41 posts · 41 votes
    6y

    I think it's great that you're going through this effort in considering accommodating your tenant.  First, and foremost, you need to consider how this affects you personally.  I am sure you have your shed and basement storage organized to your needs and usefulness.  How inconvenient will it be for you to have to move things around, shed vs. basement, and how much more will the inconvenience be when you need to access something in either place.  Additionally, if the tenant's bike is in the shed, how big will the inconvenience be having to work around it to get to your personal belongings, if you can even reach your stuff? Is there a possibility that the bike could be damaged in the shed while your trying to work around it?  Are you willing to take the risk and will your insurance cover any damages claimed by tenant?

    The tenant has every right to purchase whatever his or her heart desires without your permission.  The problem is the storage.  If a tenant makes a personal purchase that requires additional storage outside of the lease agreement, then it is the tenant's responsibility to find an alternate solution.  You are not obligate by any means to modify your personal space to accommodate the tenant. Will you consider cleaning out your garage if the tenant later buys a boat or camper and needs to store it?

    Again, kudos to your efforts and being an empathetic landlord. Based on the impression I got from your posting, the tenant's bike storage is a considerable inconvenience to you.  If you and your tenant cannot come up with a mutual storage accommodation then the tenant needs to find a way to store their personal belonging elsewhere.

    2Reply
  • Jonathan R McLaughlin
    Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    @Jenna Williams if u are moving stuff around etc then I would want to be paid for the inconvenience. Covered motorcycle parking? 25$ a month seems fair, 50$ if its just for the 4 winter months. You are going to have to do extra work and you are giving up real estate.

    Tips: make sure the bike is kept registered and insured or you will wind up with a large lawn ornament.

    And make sure he puts a tarp down. All bikes will drip oil when stored.

    0Reply
  • Jenna W.
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · FL · Member since 2019 · 34 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    Thanks everyone! This has been so helpful.

    I was irritated yesterday, but  should be clear, he did not have to consult me about buying the bike before hand, and I am fine with that, but if he was assuming he was going to store for the winter in my shed, I still think he should have, or atleast when I first said no, moved on to storing it at storage unit.

    I will definitely speak with lawyer to help add to his tenant at will agreement. I don't think he loves that someone else has a say over anything but we will have to work through it together

    This morning I got up and walked my dog. He came outside and told me he is putting a car port up and to not worry about the shed, before I even had time to look at the shed, call my insurance guy or check my bigger pockets post, lol.

    I had to tell him, I want to help you, I just need some time to figure out what I can, and cannot offer you. I just found about this less than a day ago, so I am not sure if you knew, but you can't just put a car port on someone's property, you need my permission, and I have final say on which one/what kind specifically you can put up, if we do that, but, I need some time , to look at this option and the shed option before I say yes to either, but since it's for winter storage only, we have time.

    It's currently, not registered, insured and he doesn't have a license for it. Lesson learned, I will put in my next tenant at will agreement those are the only types of vehicles that can be here. If I redo his tenant at will and increase the rent to reflect the storage space afford to him, I will add it there, as well as renter's insurance, and that I am not liable paperwork.

    0Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Jenna W.:

    Thanks everyone! This has been so helpful.

    I was irritated yesterday, but  should be clear, he did not have to consult me about buying the bike before hand, and I am fine with that, but if he was assuming he was going to store for the winter in my shed, I still think he should have, or atleast when I first said no, moved on to storing it at storage unit.

    I will definitely speak with lawyer to help add to his tenant at will agreement. I don't think he loves that someone else has a say over anything but we will have to work through it together

    This morning I got up and walked my dog. He came outside and told me he is putting a car port up and to not worry about the shed, before I even had time to look at the shed, call my insurance guy or check my bigger pockets post, lol.

    I had to tell him, I want to help you, I just need some time to figure out what I can, and cannot offer you. I just found about this less than a day ago, so I am not sure if you knew, but you can't just put a car port on someone's property, you need my permission, and I have final say on which one/what kind specifically you can put up, if we do that, but, I need some time , to look at this option and the shed option before I say yes to either, but since it's for winter storage only, we have time.

    It's currently, not registered, insured and he doesn't have a license for it. Lesson learned, I will put in my next tenant at will agreement those are the only types of vehicles that can be here. If I redo his tenant at will and increase the rent to reflect the storage space afford to him, I will add it there, as well as renter's insurance, and that I am not liable paperwork.

     You are right in that he can't just put up a carport.  What if it isn't secured and blows away (you laugh, but it happens).  For future leases, just put a clause that the any vehicle must be registered and insured, short and sweet.

    If you want a lean to added to the side of your shed (assuming it is wood), he could help cover the costs for that with the understanding that it is yours and he can't take it down when he leaves, but he can park his bike under it while he lives there.  Also you have a quote and say in the design.  I'm just talking about a few posts and a few pieces of metal sheeting for the roof and the wood to support it.

    0Reply
  • Jonathan R McLaughlin
    Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    @Jenna Williams I love motorcycles, and hated owning them :) Sooo easy to let them deteriorate and the more they sit the faster that happens.

    Nothing against him as a tenant, but he sounds like the type of person Organ donor cards were made for.

    Uninsured bikes and unlicensed drivers (permits don’t require a road test) what could go wrong?

    0Reply
  • Jenna W.
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · FL · Member since 2019 · 34 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    Thanks!

    Theresa , before I both my two family, the old owner build a sun room addition in the back on the first floor unit, and the shed is under that, so the shed just looks like basement part of the addition from the outside. So no lean too, but great idea for a free standing one

    I guess he used to ride them 20 years ago. Since he’s taken it for 3 rides in the last 24 hours, I’m hoping that means it is like riding a bike after all.


    I’m just trying to do some research now, if a tenant is storing an unregistered bike (which he plans on registering tomorrow when he gets his permit) ami liable as the property owner for anything that happens to cause injury to him or anyone else while driving it. Seems far fetched but to be fair I am fasting for medical reasons so I’m a little loopy today.

    Sincerely, the hungry landlord 

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