One of the more popular trends raising questions for Belton rental property owners is whether or not to allow tenants to keep chickens. Keeping chickens has eventually been a popular activity in recent years, even for urban neighborhoods. While the causes for this popularity vary, various people do it with the intention of producing their own food or keeping insect populations under control. Both of these justifications are certain advantages of keeping chickens, but there are a number of risks to be aware of, too. As a result, you can more confidently decide what to say when your tenant asks to keep chickens on your rental property.
Zoning Issues
Not all municipalities are chicken-friendly. Other areas allow residential neighborhoods to keep chickens in their yards, while some do not. As a property owner, it’s critical to understand your local ordinances and discuss them properly with your tenant. If not, they may not consider it is essential to follow local laws and keep restricted animals on the property, thus exposing both of you to the risk of fines and legal troubles.
Property Damage
At a minimum, most chickens will need a clean and secure chicken coop, as well as fencing and a run. If your rental property doesn’t already have a fence and a coop, your tenant will probably need to construct one. While some chicken coops can be very nice, there’s no guarantee that the one your tenant will build will be. Also, if your tenants decide to leave, and even if they take the coop with them, you’ll be left with dead and damaged landscaping where the coop used to be.
Biohazard Risk
Another hazard that chickens pose is that chicken droppings are a potential biohazard. Chicken poop is dirty, foul, and regularly gets tracked everywhere, including inside the house itself. Besides, chicken droppings can carry diseases that can put the health of you and your tenants at risk.
Attract Rodents and Predators
Rodents and other pests are opportunistic feeders. Therefore, they will be attracted to spaces where food is convenient and overflowing. Rodents love chicken coops because of this. Not only will rodents be lured to the chicken feed, but they may also look for chicken eggs or even the chickens themselves. The same may be said for wild animals or even domesticated cats and dogs. If an owl, neighborhood stray, or even your neighbor’s beloved pet slips into your rental yard, the subsequent massacre will not be pleasant.
Noise Issues
Another drawback of keeping chickens is the noise. Chickens can make too much noise, even hens. Chickens generate a variety of loud sounds that may irritate a nearby neighbor. If your rental property’s yard isn’t spacious enough, those noisy birds could become a nuisance or, on several occasions, even violate noise ordinances.
Regardless of a few stories of tenants successfully keeping chickens, the hazards aren’t worth it for most property owners. Surely, every case and rental property is not similar, so making the best decision for you and your tenants is crucial.
Do you want assistance fielding tenant requests for animals, pets, or other items? Our Belton property managers can support you! Contact Real Property Management Apex for more information on how we help rental property owners like you keep your tenants happy and protect your investment all at once.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
