Protecting Your Investment: Why Crime-Free Language Matters in Your Lease

Landlord responsibility goes beyond ensuring a habitable roof over your tenants' heads. Protecting your property from criminal activity is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved, and including "crime-free" language in your lease is a key step towards achieving that goal.

MEMPHIS PROPERTY MANAGEMENTMEMPHIS INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

1 min read

do not cross police barricade tape close-up photography
do not cross police barricade tape close-up photography

The Potential for Condemnation: While most criminal activity won't lead to such an extreme outcome, it's important to understand the potential consequences. In some cases, repeated occurrences of serious criminal activity on a property can result in its condemnation by local authorities. This essentially renders the property unfit for habitation and severely impacts its value.

The Power of Proactive Measures: Adding crime-free clause to your lease agreement serves multiple purposes. It clearly establishes that any criminal activity, regardless of the tenant's knowledge, constitutes a breach of the lease. This empowers you to take legal action, including eviction, against tenants who violate these terms.

Furthermore, this clause serves as a deterrent. By explicitly outlining the consequences of criminal activity, you discourage potential tenants with criminal intent from seeking residence in your property. This fosters a safer and more peaceful environment for responsible tenants.

The Importance of Local Representation: While proactive measures are essential, having a local representative regularly check on your property offers an added layer of security. This could be a property manager, a trusted friend, or a reliable neighbor. Regular oversight can help identify potential issues and deter criminal activity before it occurs.

If managing rental properties feels overwhelming or time-consuming, consider partnering with a professional. MLE Property Management offers comprehensive property management services in the Memphis area, including tenant screening, lease enforcement, and regular property inspections. Contact MLE today to learn how they can help you protect your investment and achieve peace of mind.