Imagine that the sun is shining, the grass (and weeds) are growing quickly, and your rental home’s curb appeal is beginning to deteriorate. Who is responsible for pulling the weeds, mowing the lawn, or cutting those overgrown shrubs? If you’re the property owner, you may be relying on your tenant to do it. And if you’re a renter, you could think that it will be taken care of by the property owner or manager. If the expectations and responsibilities regarding landscape maintenance haven’t been clarified, it can leave you both puzzled about who is responsible for maintaining rental yard spaces while your landscaping takes over.
Comprehending rental property landscape responsibilities helps both renters and property owners preserve the home’s appearance and value and prevent stressful misinterpretations. Continue reading to find out why having clear duties for landscape maintenance benefits both renters and owners.
Why Yard Responsibilities Should Be Clear
There are many factors to prioritize landscape maintenance. For illustration, maintained properly yards enhance the appeal of rental property, maintain good relations with neighbors, and even help renters feel more at home.
Issues and animosity can swiftly mount when nobody is aware of who’s in charge of the yard and lawn. Most likely, you could have dried-out grass, untrimmed bushes, or HOA complaints. At worst, everybody could feel resentful and frustrated, and uncertain of what to do next. For this reason, it is crucial that both renters and property owners have clear landscape maintenance agreements.
What Landlords Usually Handle
Landscape maintenance agreements can vary significantly from one location to another. Even though some property owners incorporate yard maintenance in the monthly rent, others anticipate renters to perform the day-to-day tasks. In a rush, it’s simple to understand how things could become muddled! Therefore, it is critical to clarify who does what.
In general, with regard to landlord exterior maintenance, property owners are usually responsible for significant work that goes beyond routine upkeep. This can involve doing things like restoring fences or retaining walls, maintaining pest control for outdoor spaces, repairing irrigation systems, and pruning or removing large trees. Since these larger tasks call for specialized tools or professionals, it makes sense for the owner to take the lead.
Clear communication is the foundation of the strongest landlord-tenant relationships. If you’re an owner, make sure your lease clearly specifies who is responsible for each exterior task. Conducting a brief yard walk-through at move-in helps renters know what to expect.
What Tenants Usually Handle
On the renter’s side of things, everyday tenant lawn care duties typically incorporate performing the basic, more day-to-day tasks. For illustration, consistent lawn mowing, watering, weeding, and maintaining a tidy yard are routine expectations. Seasonal chores, like leaf collecting 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 anticipate being responsible for yard maintenance unless the property owners have specified 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 cover a clear explanation of your rental property landscape responsibilities, ask your landlord to deliver it to you in writing. Ask questions if anything fails to make sense! In this fashion, you can avoid misunderstanding and unexpected outcomes.
Creative Ways to Manage Yard Care
Some renters want the beauty of a green yard without the hassle of purchasing a lawnmower or wasting weekends pulling weeds. Certain tenant demographics are looking for rental properties free of weekly maintenance tasks, particularly younger renters and senior citizens.
Depending on your circumstances, property owners may contemplate offering renters the option of a landscaping service and including the cost in the rent. In certain situations, this might benefit both parties because it guarantees that the yard stays in top shape and allows renters more time to enjoy their house. Additional recommendations include providing basic tools or sharing maintenance tips so they feel comfortable taking on minor tasks.
Prevent Yard Care Conflicts
Both parties may become frustrated if there are misunderstandings regarding tenant lawn care responsibilities or landlord exterior maintenance. Rental property owners can stay ahead of problems by having open conversations and conducting regular inspections. By making sure they have clear written guidelines for maintaining the yard of their rental property, renters can save disputes and stress. In this fashion, everyone recognizes their part in maintaining the outdoor space’s loveliness.
Unquestionably, understanding who maintains rental yard areas is just one part of protecting a rental property in Bridgeville and guaranteeing everyone’s fulfillment. Real Property Management Keystone 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 412-385-2300 to learn more.
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