Fencing Options for Your Rental Property -

Thinking of fencing your rental property and what kind of fence should you install?

When fencing a rental property, Abacus Avenue Property Management advises that the key considerations are cost, maintenance, durability, and aesthetics. Finding a fence that meets all four major criteria can be challenging. You don’t want a cheap fence that will devalue the home. At the same time, you also don’t want to spend more money than the rental income from the home can comfortably repay.

What is the best fencing material for a rental property? There is no single answer to this question and it will be different for every landlord and their rental property. A lot depends on the location of the rental and the kind of tenants it attracts. This post will walk you through the top fencing options for rental properties, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Wood fences

Pros

Easily available and comes in a range of options, in terms of the type of wood, cuts, grains, or color.
It is inexpensive unless you buy the costlier “Pressure Treated” (PT) wood.
Has natural beauty that is appealing and easy to customize to the look and style of your property.

Cons

Highly susceptible to moisture and parasites.
Needs to be sealed, stained, and coated periodically.
May react adversely to extremely hot and cold weather.

Vinyl fences

Pros

The most versatile fencing option in terms of the design options available.
It is extremely easy to install and comes in lightweight pieces that only need to be snapped together.
Easy to maintain, doesn’t need staining or painting, and won’t rot, splinter, crack or warp.

Cons

It is slightly more expensive than wood.
Prone to discoloration.
It is not as resilient as wood and may collapse on impact.
In very cold weather, vinyl becomes brittle and likely to shatter.
The manufacturing process for vinyl is not environmentally friendly.

Aluminum fences

Pros

One of the best decorative fencing options as it is malleable and easily molded into elegant designs.
Strong enough to protect the home, but will not obstruct the view of the property.
Lightweight and easy to clean; its powder coating prevents rust and fading.
If dark aluminum is used, it will blend in with the surrounding landscaping.
It mimics the expensive look of wrought iron fencing without the price tag or weight.
It is similarly priced to vinyl.

Cons

It is not the best option for privacy and security since it does not provide sufficient shielding.
Because it is so malleable, aluminum also bends and dents easily.

Chain-link fences

Pros

It is the simplest and probably the least expensive type of fence.
It is ideal for creating a secure boundary around large spaces or pens, which makes it ideal for holding pets or livestock.
Installing a chain-link fence is easy and fast.
It is flexible and can withstand heavy impact from large animals or objects.
It will withstand the elements.
It can be used on just about any kind of terrain; flat to sloped land.

Cons

Does not offer any privacy at all and is unsuitable for properties where security is a concern.
The thin links of the fence and its narrow junctions are vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
They are cheap and may devalue the property; they look too utilitarian.

Wrought iron fences

Pros

Wrought iron is one of the most durable fencing options for rental properties; easily the strongest fencing material.
It can be crafted into elegant designs to make a one-of-a-kind decorative fence.
Wrought iron fences are also very secure.
It does not need much maintenance. Galvanized wrought iron is resistant to rust and can be powder-coated to prevent UV fading.
The fence can develop a patina as it ages but this only adds to the value and attraction of the fence.
Wrought iron fence manufacturers often give multi-decade warranty.

Cons

This is one of the most expensive fencing options.
Installing it is a lot of work because of the weight of the materials.
In places with very wet climates, the fence may become vulnerable to rust.

Brick and stone fence

Pros

One of the best options for upscale properties.
With this type of fence, the design possibilities are endless. The fence can be made to match the look of almost any property.
Brick and stone can be combined with metal to make it even more secure and appealing.
The fences are virtually unaffected by weather and other causes of wear and tear.
If built above six feet, they are perfect for securing the property.
They are great for providing privacy.
They do not need painting, staining, or repairs and can last a lifetime.

Cons