Can my land lord tell me what I can and can't put out on my balcony? I live in Monterey Park, CA.

Question

I live in an apartment complex and I just want to keep my bicycle on the balcony. I don't have any indoor furniture or any other aesthetically unpleasing items on it. I received a letter from my landlord saying I am not to have anything other than patio furniture out on the balcony. Can they make me get rid of my bicycle? I am paying for the balcony. I think it's unfair. It's not like I'm trashing the place.

Answer 1

Read your lease.  Yes, they can probably tell you what you can and cannot put on your balcony.  They own the property, not you.

I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for.  Sorry.

Answer 2

Read your lease.  If it says something about that in your lease then you have to follow the rules.  If it doesn't, I would challenge him and ask for written rules that state that!

Answer 3

no they can't get rid of you bike but they can kick you out it his place you just live their.. srry spelling

Answer 4

I would read your lease. But yes, they can tell you what you can put out there.  After all, it is their property and  you are "renting" it from them.  You aren't paying for the balcony as in its yours, you are renting it or better yet, borrowing it from them.  

Answer 5

I would call using the balcony for storage "trashing the place".  I bet the neighbors would too.

Yes, they absolutely can require that you use the balcony for outdoor living space, not as a storage locker.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

Actually the lease should spell it out for you, but yes, management can dictate what you have on your balcony or any other common area.  This is the difference in renting and owning.  If you are renting from someone else, you have to play by their rules.

Answer 8

Yes, they can demand that you not have your bike on the balcony.

Read your rental contract and you will probably find a clause that relates to the outward appearance of the apartment.  They don't want you hanging your laundry out there either.

Places become shabby looking very quickly if everyone is permitted to store whatever they want on the balcony.  Then it becomes difficult to get quality renters.

While you don't think you are trashing the place, it's a slippery slope.  If they let you store a bike out there, then they have to give the same privelege of using the balcony for storage to ALL the other tenants.  So, they have a rule of patio furniture only.

Answer 9

yes, your land lord could make you do that. You could fight with the land lord if it's not stated in the contract. I am guessing the land lord just want the whole neighborhood to look nice.

Otherwise other tenants would hang clothing/under ware, dried goods and other things that's not pleasant to view by others.

Answer 10

Check your lease and see if there is anything in there relating to the balcony.  I can't see anything wrong with the bike being there.  But to keep peace and good relations with the guy then have a talk with him and suggest covering it up with a cover of some sort as a compromise.  If he still says no then put the bike in your bedroom.  You have to pick your battles in life and this is a small one so do it and move on.  

Answer 11

Yes, they can dictate what you are allowed on your balcony - they want the place to look nice and pristine - imagine, one bike, then two, then laundry and towels hanging over the railing, then who knows what ends up out there.  Leave your bike inside your apartment, or there should be a bike rack available for you to lock it to,

Answer 12

Read your lease.

Answer 13

No. They can`t. What is wrong with a bike. You don`t have anywhere else to put it so it is not fair. I would keep putting my bike their and if they bother you again call the police. They are probably just saying that to bother you or somthing.

Answer 14

I hate to tell you this but the landlord can tell you this.....The only thing i would do is to check with your lease and see if it has anything in it about what you can have on your balcony on not,that might be away around it......but it is the landlords property so he does have a right ....check your lease and see...