Multi family shared yard

[Wesley W.]

Hello all,

Here's a question to you small multi family landlords that have properties with a shared yard.  Specifically, what is your policy on its use as well as the use of tenants' items therein?

Some context...I have a 4-unit property with a shared yard.  I do not provide any "common" appliances or furniture (liability and maintenance concerns), so tenants must supply their own lawn furniture, etc.  Tenants do not have any decks with their  units.  This a property we purchased last year. 

The sole remaining inherited tenant has an outdoor bar and round table with 6 chairs as well as a barbecue grill.  These were existing in the yard before we took over.  The other tenants are relatively new, placed by us within the last 6 months.

One recently expressed concern that the aforementioned tenant will not allow anyone else to use her things in the yard, and there is no room for anyone else to put their own lawn furniture etc. in the yard.  The lawn is not more than 500 sq. ft.

How do each of you handle the use of such a shared yard? What policy do you recommend I adopt?

Options as l see it:

(1) Purchase common furniture and grill for all to use (least preferable of all options for the reasons above )

(2) Create policy that any privately purchased large items in the yard  are assumed to be available for common use. (possibly problematic given the private items are already in place and have been for years)

(3) Encourage tenants to work out an arrangement amongst themselves, and if an accord can't be reached, private items will not allowed to be stored in the yard.  (seems to be a heavy handed solution in lieu of other choices)

Looking for advice and feedback. Thank you in advance!

[Michael Boyer]

One idea I used on my fourplex (2 up, 2 down) with a small yard in the back to prevent conflicts (it was more dog interactions --not furniture/bars--for me): 

) Put a small (3 foot or so) simple fence in the back segregating an area for each unit. (not sure of your configuration). 

This allowed the two lower neighbors their own individual yards. 

Perhaps you'd need to add more fencing if you have four ground units... 

But it was low cost way to keep the peace and even added to the desirability of the two yard units (that I can ask a slight premium for, 50-100 bucks/ mo in my area). Also, a big draw for dog/kid owners to add a competitive advantage and help you rent the unit fast.

) My easy border fence recipe: I just used the flat top 6 ft pickets and 4 x4 pressure treated posts at the big box store, and 2X4 rails; Dig the post holes, I set them and packed them with sharp gravel (so I can pull it up if needs be to sell or if there is a need to remove)... attach runners; cut the pickets in half and screw them on following your strong line (it is more for boundaries than security or privacy)... See a DIY book or video on any details for leveling, setting posts, creating the line, cutting, fastners, and the exact process, etc. Best of luck.