Choosing a Fence for Your Rental Property: Where to Begin
West Georgia Fence • April 10, 2018
You usually want to keep three factors in mind when preparing your property for renters: curb appeal, functionality, and cost. When selecting a fence for your rental home, keep these factors at the forefront of the decision-making process, and read on for some more tips.
Target Demographic
You probably have an ideal tenant in mind, such as a young couple or a young family. Use information about this target demographic to help narrow your fence selections. For example, if you're marketing your home to families with school-aged children, you need to make sure the fence is durable.
The Atlanta metropolitan area offers children the luxury of playing outside all through the year, and it is fair to assume that a great deal of this playtime will be spent in the backyard of the home. High-energy play sessions could send the children, and even balls or other toys, slamming into the fence. Wood is a highly durable option that can withstand the impact of this type of activity while remaining intact.
Pet Policy
Are you planning to allow pets at your property? If the answer is yes, then potential renters will appreciate a fenced yard that keeps their dog secure and safe. If pets are your main concern, then you should probably stay away from a chain-link fence. Chain-link is versatile and affordable, but it's easy for a larger dog to climb up a chain link fence and ultimately escape the yard.
Also, the wide-open design of chain-link may be problematic for an overly excited or aggressive dog. Remember that any noise complaints about the tenants’ pet will come to you, not the tenants. A vinyl fence or wood fence is better for pets since both vinyl and wood are virtually climb-proof and restrict the dog's view outside the fence, which can minimize excessive barking.
Maintenance Commitment
Just how committed are you to maintenance? The property, including the fence, needs to look acceptable while a tenant is living there as well as after they've moved out and you're looking for a new tenant.
Given the elevated humidity levels in Georgia, this climate can create challenges for some fencing structures, namely metal selections like chain-link or wrought-iron. If you want to install these types of selections, be prepared to re-apply a protective sealant and re-paint the sealing from time to time.
If you have multiple rental properties or don't have much time to commit to maintenance, a vinyl fence might be a better solution. Vinyl can easily withstand the constant exposure to the extra moisture in the air and doesn't require any maintenance aside from damage repair.
Community Guidelines
If your rental property is located within a subdivision or other homeowners association governed community, don't forget to consult these boards when considering fence installation. These organizations will typically have strict rules about the height, design, and sometimes even the material of the fences allowed in the community.
Rather than have the fence constructed only to discover that it is out of regulation, get this information from the HOA before you start the project. Even if you don't live in one of these communities, there are still regulations. For instance, residential fences may not exceed eight feet in Fulton County. If you hire an experienced local fence contractor, they should be able to help you understand the local regulations.
Depending on your needs and goals, there is a lot to consider when choosing a fence for your rental property. So don’t forget to rely on professional help. Whether it's your rental property or your own home, contact West Georgia Fence for all of your fencing needs.
The Best Fence for Your Atlanta-Area Home This Summer (2026 Guide) Summer is the most popular time of year for fence installation in the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area — and for good reason. Long days, dry ground, and the urge to actually use your backyard all push homeowners to finally pull the trigger on that fence project they've been putting off. But with so many material options, choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the questions we hear most often this time of year so you can make a confident decision before the summer slips away. What Is the Best Type of Fence for Georgia's Summer Heat? Georgia summers are no joke — heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms put real stress on fencing materials. Here's how each major type holds up: Wood Fence — Classic and cost-effective, but wood requires the most summer maintenance. Heat and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp or crack over time. Annual sealing or staining is strongly recommended for Georgia homeowners. PVC (Vinyl) Fence — PVC is one of the best performers in hot, humid climates. It doesn't rot, splinter, or absorb moisture, and it won't need painting or staining. If low maintenance is your priority, PVC is a top choice for Georgia summers. Ornamental (Iron/Aluminum) Fence — Ornamental fencing is extremely durable in heat and storm conditions. The open design actually works in its favor during summer — it doesn't catch wind during storms the way solid panels can. A quality powder-coat finish resists rust and UV fading. Chain Link Fence — The most weather-resistant option by far. Metal construction means no warping, cracking, or swelling regardless of temperature swings. Chain link is a practical, budget-friendly option for large properties, pet containment, and commercial use. Should I Install a Fence in Summer or Wait Until Fall? Most homeowners assume fall is better for fence installation, but summer is actually an excellent time — here's why: Ground conditions in Georgia are typically firm and dry in summer, making post-setting easier and more precise. Scheduling availability tends to open up faster than in the spring rush. You get to enjoy it sooner. Installing in June or July means your yard is fenced and functional for backyard gatherings all season long. The one caveat: if you're installing a wood fence, avoid scheduling during an extended stretch of heavy rain. Saturated soil can shift newly set posts before the concrete fully cures. How Do I Know If I Need a Permit to Install a Fence in Carroll County or the Atlanta Area? Permit requirements vary by city and county, but here's what's typical in the West Georgia region: Most residential fences under 6 feet do not require a permit in Carroll County, but you should always verify with your local zoning office before breaking ground. HOA rules are separate from permit requirements — check with your homeowners association about height limits, material restrictions, and approved colors. Corner lots and properties near easements often have additional setback rules. West Georgia Fence has been serving the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area for over 50 years. Our team is familiar with local requirements and can help guide you through the process before your project starts. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area? Fence cost varies based on material, linear footage, terrain, and gate placement. Here are general ranges for the West Georgia and Atlanta area in 2026: Fence Type Approximate Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) Chain Link $15 – $30 Wood (Privacy) $25 – $45 PVC / Vinyl $30 – $55 Ornamental Aluminum $30 – $60 Commercial Fencing Varies — contact for quote These figures are estimates. Sloped terrain, rock soil, removal of an old fence, and gate hardware all affect the final price. West Georgia Fence offers free custom quotes — call 770-832-3363 to get an accurate number for your specific property. Financing is also available with approved credit, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting started this summer. What's the Best Fence for Privacy in a Georgia Backyard? For maximum backyard privacy, you'll want a solid panel fence with minimal gaps. The top choices: Wood Privacy Fence — The most traditional option. A 6-foot board-on-board or shadowbox wood fence provides excellent privacy and a natural look that blends into most Georgia landscaping. PVC Privacy Fence — Offers the same solid panel privacy as wood but with virtually zero maintenance. No painting, no staining, no warping. Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are switching from wood to PVC for exactly this reason. Ornamental with Privacy Slats — If you love the look of ornamental fencing but want more privacy, metal slats or inserts can be added to chain link or ornamental panels for a hybrid solution. 5 Signs Your Existing Fence Needs Repair Before Summer Gatherings Don't let a damaged fence ruin your summer entertaining plans. Watch for these red flags: Leaning or tilting posts — A leaning post is usually a sign of rotted wood or a shifting concrete footing. It won't fix itself. Boards with cracks, gaps, or rot — Cosmetic issues become structural ones when left through another Georgia summer. Rust stains or peeling paint on metal fencing — Surface rust spreads. Catching it early with touch-up paint or powder coat prevents full panel replacement. Gates that drag, stick, or won't latch — Gate hardware loosens over time, especially on heavy ornamental gates. Visible gaps at the base — If pets or small children could slip under, it's time to address the grade or add a bottom rail. West Georgia Fence handles repairs as well as new installations. If you're not sure whether your existing fence can be saved, we're happy to take a look. Why Choose a Local, Family-Owned Fence Company? With so many national chains advertising online, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid from an out-of-area company. Here's why local matters: A company based in Carroll County knows the soil conditions, the local permit landscape, and what fence styles actually hold up in West Georgia's climate. West Georgia Fence has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years , holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , and is fully licensed and insured. We've installed fences on everything from rural properties to government buildings to Atlanta-area apartment complexes — and we stand behind every job with a warranty. When you call us, you're talking to neighbors who care about the work they put their name on. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. 📞 Call us at 770-832-3363 📍 Serving Carrollton, Atlanta Metro, and surrounding West Georgia communities 🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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