Acknowledging rental property landscape responsibilities helps both renters and property owners safeguard the home’s appearance and value while avoiding unnecessary confusion. Keep reading to find out how clarifying landscape maintenance duties is critical for renters and owners alike.
Why Yard Responsibilities Should Be Clear
There are many factors to prioritize landscape maintenance. For instance, properly maintained yards increase the appeal of rental property, keep neighbors content, and even help renters feel more at home.
If there’s ambiguity about who’s in charge of the yard and lawn, it can result in some misunderstandings and irritations over time. At best, you might end up with dried-out grass, uncut bushes, or HOA complaints. At the very least, people might feel a bit resentful and frustrated, and hesitant about what to do next. Due to this, having clear landscape maintenance agreements is critical for both renters and property owners.
What Landlords Usually Handle
Landscape maintenance agreements can vary significantly from one location to another. While some property owners include yard maintenance in the monthly rent, others prefer renters to perform the day-to-day tasks. It’s clear how things can get a bit perplexing really quickly! Therefore, clarifying who does what is important.
Generally, with regard to landlord exterior maintenance, property owners are typically responsible for significant work, which go beyond the typical upkeep. You might find yourself doing things like repairing irrigation systems, trimming or removing large trees, fixing fences or retaining walls, and dealing with pest control for outdoor spaces. These bigger errands require special tools or professionals, so it is a good idea for the owner to take the lead.
The best landlord-tenant relationships start with transparent communication. As an owner, it’s important to make sure your lease clearly specifies who is responsible for each exterior task. Performing a quick 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 commonly include handling the basic, more day-to-day tasks. For instance, regular lawn mowing, watering, weeding, and maintaining a tidy yard are common standards. Seasonal errands, such as leaf scraping or minor garden upkeep, can also be part of the tenant’s role. Particularly if you have rented a single-family home with a yard, many renters can expect to be responsible for yard maintenance unless the property owners have indicated otherwise.
If the property owner has completed their due diligence, the tasks assigned to the renter will be explicitly explained in the lease. If your lease does not contain a clear explanation of your rental property landscape responsibilities, ask your landlord for a written explanation. If something isn’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask questions! In this fashion, you can avoid misunderstanding and unexpected occurrences.
Creative Ways to Manage Yard Care
Some renters want the beauty of a green yard without the hassle of getting a lawnmower or spending weekends pulling weeds. Specific tenant demographics, primarily younger renters and senior citizens, are in search of rental homes that do not need weekly maintenance tasks.
Depending on their condition, property owners may think about giving renters the option of a landscaping service and incorporating the cost into the rent. This can be a great situation for everyone concerned: it guarantees the yard stays in top shape and permits renters to spend more time appreciating their home. Some other concepts are to provide basic tools or share maintenance tips, assisting tenants in feeling more assured in dealing with small tasks.
Prevent Yard Care Conflicts
Misinterpretations about tenant lawn care obligations or landlord exterior maintenance can result in frustration for everyone involved. Rental property owners can keep things running effortlessly by open conversations and executing regular inspections. Renters can keep things smooth and welcoming by having clear written guidelines for taking care of their rental home’s yard. By doing this, everyone knows their part in maintaining the outdoor space’s beauty.
Absolutely, comprehending who maintains rental yard areas is just one piece of protecting a rental property in Saint Peters and ensuring that everyone is happy. Real Property Management Endeavor is here to assist both owners and renters in handling the ins and outs of rental property care, from open lease agreements to professional yard services and more. Contact us or call 636-244-5959 to get more details.