Author Topic: Fence in backyard upkeep?  (Read 1487 times)

dezfreeze

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Fence in backyard upkeep?
« on: October 19, 2017, 07:29:43 AM »
Hi All-

I've had renters in place for almost 2 years, generally trouble free.  They have two large dogs and the back yard is chain link fenced in.  Neighbors built a "kennel", and now one of my tenants' dogs keeps finding his way under the fence at various points.  The tenants seem to expect me to "secure" the fence, although I can't get them to propose a solution to what I perceive as their problem.  The fence isn't even mentioned in the lease- yard maintenance and upkeep is mentioned and is their responsibility.  I may have planted a seed here when I came over once and helped stake down a few sections of the fence where it was pulling away from the ground, and even bought the stakes (like $5).  My point of view- they have a dog training problem.  They keep saying the fence needs "maintenance".  What say you experienced landlords?
« Last Edit: October 19, 2017, 08:40:52 AM by dezfreeze »

MaikoTsumi

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2017, 07:59:25 AM »
What my lease says, "FENCES   Fences that currently exist are not included in the rental. Tenant agrees to be responsible for maintaining any existing fence, gates."  Other provisions state that garage, basements, sheds or not included in the rental.  Use of these areas is at own risk.

dezfreeze

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2017, 08:16:30 AM »
That's what my next one will say....

AlanStache

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2017, 08:26:09 AM »
How is this not your neighbors problem to fix? 

The neighbors built a kennel up to your fence and there dogs are getting through your fence into your yard?  Have you talked to your neighbors; do they take responsibility?  You may want to look into what the city says about owners securing there dogs.

dezfreeze

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2017, 08:39:42 AM »
Sorry- will edit post.  My tenants' dog is the one getting under the fence.  I have no idea bout the neighbors "kennel"

AlanStache

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2017, 09:08:24 AM »
Ok, that changes things :-)

Any idea how the dogs are getting out?  Are they digging under the fence or pushing through an unsecured overlap?

YttriumNitrate

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2017, 09:17:57 AM »
It sounds like your chain link fence does not have a tensioned bottom wire. These are cheap (less than $50) and easy to put in. While you may not be required to upgrade the fence based on the lease, since they have been good tenants I wouldn't hesitate to make the improvement.

You'll need:
A wire stretcher
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/fencing/fencing-accessories/tool-shop-wire-fence-stretcher/p-1444428036530-c-5764.htm?tid=-8951093252124518780&ipos=1

170 feet of wire
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/fencing/chain-link-fencing/tension-wire/p-1444430932776-c-5742.htm?tid=8648977592758695127&ipos=7

Some galvanized braces along with screws/nuts
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/fencing/chain-link-fencing/2-3-8-chain-link-fence-brace-band/p-1444430949531-c-5742.htm?tid=-7077662526835579344&ipos=2

« Last Edit: October 19, 2017, 09:20:00 AM by YttriumNitrate »

dezfreeze

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Re: Fence in backyard upkeep?
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2017, 09:46:58 AM »
I'll give the tension-ed bottom wire a try- will be easier and cheaper than getting new tenants in place.  Thanks guys!

 

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