Tenants building a shed?

[Filip Reutov]

Hi, my tenant want to build a shed on one side of the duplex. I won’t need to put any money towards it, they are needing it because the unit doesn’t provide much space for storage. Should I let them build a shed for themselves? Why or why not?

[JD Martin]

Whys:

1. If they know what they are doing you can get something of value that you can use for a later tenant;

2. You get increased storage for future tenants that may let you increase the rent.

Why nots:

1. The tenants have no idea what they are doing and build a Three Stooges lean-to against your house that rots out the sill plate or siding or becomes an attractive haven for rats or other vermin;

2. The tenants fill it with all kinds of crap that you then have to lug out when they leave;

3. The city cracks your skull with fines for building in the setback or not getting a permit;

4. The tenants get hurt building it and sue you for damages.