One of the most frustrating scenarios that landlords dread is an out-of-control party. It would be extra stressful if the rental property is an apartment building with tenants in the other units who have to deal with the racket.

Some tenants can become insensitive when they throw parties on the property, especially when there is alcohol involved. The get-together might start pretty mellow, but after a while, it can get ugly.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong in events like this. Other than the noise disturbance that can disturb neighboring tenants, unruly and intoxicated party guests are prone to accidents or can cause damage to the property.

On top of that, if the landlord doesn’t have regulations in place when it comes to hosting parties in the property or fails to take action in previous events, it might turn the property into a party central. The negative impact might not be instantly noticeable, but when other tenants stop renewing their lease or liability lawsuits start piling up, the business will suffer.

To protect the rental property from the risks that out-of-control parties bring, the landlord can take different measures to do so.

Know the Risks to Avoid

Before enforcing party rules and regulations in the rental property, a landlord must first know what risks they are trying to avoid. Tenants must be able to see why the policies are reasonable to not discourage them from renting.

Here are a few risks that landlords can face because of uncontrollable parties:

• Liability issues due to underage drinking, horseplay or drunken accidents, noise complaints, and party drugs.
• Property damage
• Noise Complaints
• Criminal activity

Define “Acceptable Party”

As paying tenants, it also cannot be denied that they have the right to use the property at will, as they would their own home. That is why after identifying the main concern behind having a party policy, it is vital that the landlord find a balance between managing risks and not depriving tenants of their right to use the rented property.

If tenants invite family and a small group of friends over for lunch, birthdays, or important family celebrations, that should not be a party that the landlord would ban. After all, the tenant would consider the rental property as their home, so they would like to be free to have some company sometimes.

A Fair Party Policy

A landlord can allow parties. However, there are rules they can enforce to prevent gatherings from becoming chaotic. Here are a few regulations that landlords may include in their party policy:

• No underage drinking during gatherings
• No drugs, cigarettes, weed
• A limit on the maximum number of guests
• No loud music
• No activities involving stunts, fire, or any hazardous chemicals

If a host tenant plans to throw a party that is more than just an intimate dinner, he must inform the property manager or landlord before the party date. The party policy must also indicate that the host tenant will be liable for any damage, disturbance, or problem caused by a guest’s misbehavior. The party policy must also specify the consequences the tenant will face if they violate it (e.g., eviction).

Inspections

Landlords must conduct regular inspections as frequently as allowed by local laws. Inspecting the units could help in finding out if a tenant hosted a party without asking permission. Tenants might also clue the landlord in if a tenant hosted a party that caused some disturbance.

Communicate the Policy

Landlords must make sure that before a tenant starts his lease, the latter is aware of the party policy. It must be clear to them so that there will be no misunderstanding in the future.

As a rental agent, if you publish a listing on Padleads and get several applications, it would also be good to brief applicants that there is a party policy in place. That way, potential tenants who are fond of entertaining guests will know their limitations ahead of time.

Parties are okay as long as the tenant conducts it responsibly, respecting the property and neighbors, and keeping clean fun.