Envision the sun’s rays hastening the expansion of grass and weeds, thereby lessening the rental home’s curb appeal. Who is designated for weed extraction, to mow the lawn, or to prune overgrown shrubs? As the property owner, you may be relying on your tenant to undertake it. And if you are a renter, you may presume it will be taken care of by the property owner or manager. If the expectations and responsibilities regarding landscape maintenance haven’t been made clear, it can leave you both wondering who is responsible for maintaining rental yard spaces while your landscaping grows wild.
Understanding rental property landscape responsibilities helps both renters and property owners protect the home’s appearance and value and avoid stressful misunderstandings. Read on to learn more about why clarifying landscape maintenance duties is a win-win for renters and owners alike.
Why Clear Yard Expectations Prevent Disputes
There are several reasons to prioritize landscape maintenance. For example, well-kept yards boost the appeal of rental property, keep neighbors happy, and even help renters feel more at home.
When no one knows who’s in charge of the yard and lawn, problems and resentment can accumulate quickly. At best, you might end up with dried-out grass, untrimmed bushes, or HOA complaints. At worst, everyone could feel resentful and frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. This is why landscape maintenance agreements are essential for both renters and property owners.
Landlord vs. Tenant Landscape Duties
Landscape maintenance agreements can vary significantly from one location to another. While some property owners include yard maintenance in the monthly rent, others expect renters to perform the day-to-day tasks. It’s easy to see why things could get confusing in a hurry! So clarifying who does what is vital.
Generally, when it comes to landlord exterior maintenance, property owners are typically responsible for significant work that exceeds everyday care. This can include tasks such as repairing irrigation systems, trimming or removing large trees, fixing fences or retaining walls, and managing pest control for outdoor spaces. These bigger jobs require special tools or professionals, so it makes sense for the owner to take the lead.
The best landlord-tenant relationships start with clear communication. If you’re an owner, ensure your lease clearly specifies who is responsible for each outdoor task. Doing a quick yard walk-through at move-in helps renters know what to expect.
On the renter’s side of things, everyday tenant lawn care duties often include doing the basic, more day-to-day tasks. For example, regular lawn mowing, watering, weeding, and maintaining a tidy yard are standard expectations. Seasonal tasks, such as leaf raking or minor garden upkeep, can also be part of the tenant’s role. Especially if you have rented a single-family home with a yard, most renters can expect to be responsible for yard maintenance unless the property owners have indicated otherwise.
If the property owner has done their due diligence, the tasks assigned to the renter will be clearly explained in the lease. If your lease does not contain a clear explanation of your rental property landscape responsibilities, ask your landlord to provide it to you in writing. If anything doesn’t make sense, ask questions! In this way, you can avoid misunderstanding and unwelcome surprises.
Creative Yard Care Management Solutions
Some renters want the beauty of a green yard without the hassle of buying a lawnmower or spending weekends pulling weeds. Specific tenant demographics, especially younger renters and senior citizens, are seeking rental homes that are not burdened by weekly maintenance tasks.
Depending on your situation, property owners may consider offering renters the option of a landscaping service and incorporating the cost into the rent. This can be a win-win in some cases: it ensures the yard stays in top shape and gives renters more time to enjoy their home. Other ideas include providing basic tools or sharing maintenance tips so tenants feel confident tackling small jobs.
Avoiding Costly Landscaping Conflicts
Misunderstandings about tenant lawn care duties or landlord exterior maintenance can lead to frustration on both sides. Rental property owners can stay ahead of issues by having open conversations and doing regular inspections. Renters can avoid conflict and tension by ensuring they have clear written guidelines for their rental home’s yard care. In this way, everyone knows their role in maintaining the outdoor space’s beauty.
Of course, knowing who maintains rental yard areas is just one part of protecting a rental property in Blythewood and ensuring everyone’s satisfaction. Real Property Management Midlands helps both owners and renters navigate the complexities of rental property care, from clear lease agreements to professional yard services and beyond. Contact us or call 803-403-8838 to learn more.
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