Rental Property Investor · Canton, OH · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Have a lawn care company saying my tenant owes him $205 and won't pay. Because of that, he's threatening to put a lien on my property unless I pay him. I'm of course trying to get the tenant to pay as my lease says he is responsible for the lawn.
2 questions...
1. Can he put a lien on my property?
2. If he can, should I just pay him, then post a 3 day eviction notice?
It is highly probable that they can . its maintenance and its something required . It would be easier for you to pay the lawn company , then deduct it from the security deposit . And cancel the lawn service
@Account Closed depends a on state laws. Here Thales could not because a mechanics lien has to be for “improvements” to the property, lawn cutting wouldn’t be eligible.
It is highly probable that they can . its maintenance and its something required . It would be easier for you to pay the lawn company , then deduct it from the security deposit . And cancel the lawn service
Not in any states I've worked in. They would need a State Contractor's License to file a lien like this. This prevents every Tom, Dick and Harry from filing nuisance liens.
I'd post a notice on the property for a cure/quit. The tenant is not taking responsibility for the lawn mowing as required so they are in violation of the lease. Post the notice to cure or vacate and see if that doesn't get something moving. If you let this slide, the next unpaid thing will be the rent. Did these tenants have a good tenant score? Because it seems like they maybe would have a history of unpaid bills.
As far as the lien against the property, I don't think the mowing company could do that as you didn't hire them. Their issue is with the tenant, not the property.
As far as the lien against the property, I don't think the mowing company could do that as you didn't hire them. Their issue is with the tenant, not the property.
I am a contractor and If I work on your house and hire a painter who is a sub , and do not pay him the painter can file a lien . The landscaper was hired by the person who was in control of the property ( they would have no clue if they were the owner or renter ) .They could file a lien . But for $230 , it would save time and headache if the owner pays the contractor and dings the tenant deposit
Thanks everyone. I like the idea of deducting from SD...so long as the place isnt complety trashed when he moves out down the road. Let me see what happens after next week. The mother is the cosigner and does not want an eviction filed under her name so said she would pay it (I'm not holding my breath however). If they don't pay by end of next week, I will post a notice
@CJ M. Why not schedule a site inspection and see for yourself if they have caused damage already and head off the problem? Taking the costs from the security deposit only makes sense if they already think they aren't getting it back, in which case you will eat the loss.