I’m renting out our single-family house to a family. There are a few items in the house that we agreed to be left to the tenant, but I’m not sure how to write the terms.
March 19, 2025
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Just indicate in the lease that those items remain the property of the landlord, and that the tenant will be held responsible for any damage caused to those items.
There is no need to describe them in the lease.
Since they are attached to the premises, the tenant is responsible by law for any damage to them.
You only need to specifically identify furniture items and anything not attached to the premises.
There is no need to mention anything that is attached to the walls, ceilings, or floors.
Mention the piano under “Additional Terms” in the lease.
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I’m renting out our single-family house to a family. There are a few items in the house that we agreed to be left to the tenant, but I’m not sure how to write the terms.
I understand your situation. Have you discussed with the tenant which specific items are to be left in the house?
These items include a piano, a baby gate that is installed on the stairs, and a mini-split AC unit.
Are you looking to include these terms in the lease agreement or create a separate document outlining the agreement for the items?
I’m not sure which is better and how to disclaim the responsibilities.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your lease agreement.
This is all.
Welcome. I am the attorney that will be assisting you. My name is Bruce, and I have been practicing law for over forty years.
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I have reviewed your narrative. It is unclear to me what you mean by “left to the tenant.”
Do they want to own the items, or just use them?
We will leave the piano in the house because the tenants said they wanted it.
The piano is not given to the tenants, but will stay where it is in the house.
The same applies to the mini-split AC unit, a window AC unit, a dehumidifier, some paint cans, a baby gate, and some shelves that are installed and attached to the walls.
Other installed items include ceiling lights, curtains, ceiling fans, and coat hangers.
Is there a term to describe these installed items?
Where should I mention them in the lease? Should they be under a clause, additional terms, or somewhere else?
Should I mention somewhere in the lease that tenants are held responsible for these attachments? (Is there a better term to describe them?)
Where should I mention the piano?
Just indicate in the lease that those items remain the property of the landlord, and that the tenant will be held responsible for any damage caused to those items.
There is no need to describe them in the lease.
Since they are attached to the premises, the tenant is responsible by law for any damage to them.
You only need to specifically identify furniture items and anything not attached to the premises.
There is no need to mention anything that is attached to the walls, ceilings, or floors.
Mention the piano under “Additional Terms” in the lease.
We have a doorbell camera installed outside the entrance.
Tenants want to clarify the control and right transfer of it.
Are there any rules or regulations about this in Massachusetts (MA)?
They want it stated that there is only one camera on the premises and that the tenant will take full control of it.
Is your new question on the same legal topic? You may allow that.
That seems perfect.
Here is what the tenant suggested, but I’m not sure about the language:
“At the beginning of the lease, the landlord will deliver the property to the tenants with only one camera on the premises, which is a Ring brand camera installed near the front door. For the privacy of tenants, the landlord will not have any access to or control of, but will give tenants exclusive access to and control of, the camera and video from the camera throughout the lease.”
Does this wording work?
Yes, that wording works well.
If they remove the camera and leave a hole on the wall, then you can deduct the cost of replacing it from their security deposit after they vacate.
Perhaps add this clause:
“Tenant will not remove, replace, damage, deface, or otherwise modify the placement or operation of the camera.”
Is it normal to mention in the lease that there are no cameras on the premises?
It is not normal to mention anything that does not exist.
Ok, got it. I’ll just remove that part. Thanks.
I’m all set on this matter.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you.
