unauthorized improvements to a rental

[Karen S.]

Hi everyone

I am seeking your opinions, suggestions, and input about a situation at our rental property. We have a "good" tenant, pays on time, not too many complaints, etc. Recently we stopped by his place--he was not home-- and noticed that he has made physical improvements to the outside of the property...think something permanent in nature like an arbor or porch railing. Without saying too much about it, we can see the logic behind the improvement and it doesn't look bad, or like poor workmanship, but hey-- the lease says you cannot make permanent changes to the property. At the least, there should have been a request for this improvement, or something like it. we probably would have done it ourselves. 

At this point, we do not want to rip out the work..it looks fine, it's outside, and it (apparently) meets renter's need. HOWEVER, we realize we can't let it stand, the idea that making unauthorized approvals is ok. We are ready to do something, but what? and we are otherwise happy with this renter. Your advice, BP? Hit me with it, I can take it.