Re: Utility room vs. Garage - Landlord Forum thread 359598

Re: Utility room vs. Garage by Robert on August 13, 2019 @14:43

Do the utilities in the room serve only that unit? If it just a small room and serves multiple units you should have a separate key and exclude from lease and include your right to access with reasonable notice or immediate access if there is any urgent need to get in there.

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Re: Utility room vs. Garage by Robert on August 13, 2019 @14:48	[ Reply ]

I am going to add to my comment. If you already leased the garage and it is reasonable to assume that the utility room is part of it then the tenant cannot be forced to modify the lease, especial if the room has just their utilities in it. Since the only way to access it is thru the garage then one might reasonably assume that it is part of the garage. As long as you have access to the room for emergencies then it should not be a big deal either way. When the lease renews then make it say whatever you want.

Re: Utility room vs. Garage by ownernj on August 16, 2019 @14:19	[ Reply ]

It was no clear on who should have the utility room in the lease. It is a very small room, and with a door without lock. I have probably 5-6 box left inside, the tenant is asking me to pick them up. But, I had an oral agreement that I can leave these boxes there. Now, she said it should be the part of garage.

Re: Utility room vs. Garage by Tom on August 16, 2019 @16:22	[ Reply ]

As the utility room is in the garage and never locked or represented as "off limits", the the tenant is correct. You should remove your boxes and let them use the space. When these tenants move out, you can put a lock on the utility room and note in your next lease that it's not included.