All Forum Posts by: Mike Cartwright

@Kyle J. yes, I see your point. Properly preventing access to it is my first priority after thinking about it more. Then taking care of it.

Just to be clear for posterity, the floor isn't meaningfully compromised and the rail has a little give. None the less, better to protect the tenant (and myself legally).

Thanks for the replies. I'm waiting to hear back from my building code department to see how to comply with local code regarding preventing access to the balcony. At that point I can either fix it if the price is doable or hold off until I have additional cash reserves.

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure how much it will cost to fix frankly. Being my first property I was hoping to keep costs to a minimum (within reason of course) and I wouldn't see any value added to rent by fixing it. 

My inexperience is showing here, do normal/large windows count as emergency exits on a second floor? The first floor has 3 exterior door exits (patio door included).

You have a point though, I'll get some quotes. Maybe I'll be surprised.

Thanks again for the feedback @John Underwood . 

Hi BP,

This is my first rental I'm land lording. The home has a second story balcony attached to a bedroom. This balcony has a loose-ish railing and a semi-soft spot in the corner. Because of this liability, I don't want anyone on the balcony. The lease says: 

"Second floor balcony may only be used as an emergency exit. Landlord is not responsible for any injuries sustained by Tenant or guests of Tenant as a result of the emergency exit being used."

Within days of signing the lease, the tenant sent me a video of themselves on the balcony pointing to the spot and saying there is a soft spot and that I need to fix it ASAP.

Am I obligated to fix this if they've signed a lease addendum with the above-referenced language?

Again, I'm new to the real estate game so I'm open to any feedback or constructive criticism.

Thanks,

Mike