Rental property lease clause for owner access permission

[Vladut Bujoreanu]

Hello All,

Question for you using an example I am considering:

I have a large property that is central to my units. This property has a large detached garage. I would like to hold materials and construction equipment in this garage and have access to it 24/7 while the main SFH on the property is being rented out. Is a situation like this possible? Can it be solved by simply putting it in the lease contract as a clause?

ALSO - separate question.. 

Can you rent out space (think storage lot) on a plot of land that is zoned residential? I am assuming no... Is it because it would be considered a business at that point versus rental income? Trying to understand this better 

[Kenny Dahill]

@Vladut Bujoreanu, very entrepreneurial of you!  I dig.

You can make your lease say anything you want, as long as it meets city codes and doesn't impede life safety.  You can definitely rent out your home but not the garage.  All you have to do is indicate it as such in the lease.  The challenge will be finding a tenant willing to do so, you'll need to market at or below market rates.

I think the issue with storage on residential is more zoning than 'business'.  A lot of people have home-based businesses.  You should talk to your Zoning & Planning Dept. to see if you can get a temporary permit for that.  They'll be the decision makers in this.