Addendum for historical items in rental

[Eric Huebner]

Hello BP Nation! Quick question for you... My family has always rented out very basic apartments in an 8 family set up in Wisconsin. Our lease addendums cover all the bases. However, I recently renovated a duplex from 1900 that has some historically unique features. Specifically, I vaulted the ceilings to expose the original hand cut beams (think barn construction). My question to you is if anyone has a specific addendum in their lease that addresses leaving all historical aspects of the home as they are? Do you have specific language in an addendum that spells out a financial penalty to altering historical aspects and covering the cost to bring them back to original condition if altered by the tenant? Basically I want to make sure that I have a strongly worded addendum to discourage any tenant from drilling holes, painting, or destroying these beautiful historical beams. If anyone would be willing to share their viewpoint or what they use in addendum for this situation, I would really appreciate it.

[Thomas S.]

Any standard lease should include the protection you need regardless of the building. The wording will simply state that the tenant is not permitted to do any work or alter any structure. You can make specific reference to hanging picture etc. Tenants are held responsible for all repairs.

Landlords need to inspect regularly so as to repair and charge tenants as damage occurs.