Question for Landlords Who Have Tenants Do Lawn/Snow Care

Question for Landlords Who Have Tenants Do Lawn/Snow Care

Financial Advisor · Norfolk · Member since 2019 · 25 posts · 28 votes

Hello,

My wife and I are going to be moving out of our primary residence soon so we can do a house hack and will turn our current house into our first SF rental. I had a few questions for other landlords who have lawn/snow care as part of the tenants responsibilities. In my area, I see a lot of other rentals posted with lawn/snow care as part of the tenants responsibilities and I would like to do the same. For other landlords who have tenants manage lawn/snow do you provide any equipment to them  (push mower, weed whipper, etc)? Also, the house has an in-ground sprinkler system. Do you let tenants manage the sprinkler system and choose whether they want to run it or not or should I just do away with it all together so it's one less thing to worry about? 

Thanks for your help and advice!

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Member since 2019 · 63 posts · 63 votes
4y

I have tenants that do their own lawn care. Changing that soon since one of them destroyed the sprinkler, and does not really care for the lawn at all. I recommend you state that sprinkler repairs are their responsibility and have PROOF THAT SPRINKLERS WERE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION TO AVOID THE “SPRINKLER WAS ALREADY BROKEN” LINE. 

ALSO AD INTO CONTRACT SPECIFICS ON HOW OFTEN THE LAWN CARE SHOULD BE DONE AND WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE IN EXACT DOLLAR AMOUNT IF FAILURE TO DO SO. 

DONT EXPECT YOUR TENATS TO HAVE COMMON SENSE WRITE CONTRACT AS DETAILED AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN 

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  • Investor · Troy, NY · Member since 2020 · 120 posts · 93 votes
    4y

    Hi Desmond,

    That is a great question. At one of my rentals where i make my tenants do lawn/ snow care, i provide them with a simple push mower- just a basic $250 one from Lowe's. I have off street parking so i provide heavier duty shovels for the walk-ways & call it a day.

    I found this to be a better option than to pay someone for lawn care, as i would most likely be spending more than $250 bucks a season on lawn/ snow removal & i also don't have to worry about making calls or staying on top of the contractors- I've been doing it this way for 2 years now and have zero complaints... i also think a lot of tenants subconsciously know that their rents would be higher if that service had to be hired out, so a lot of them will gladly go mow or shovel. Just depends your preference!

  • Financial Advisor · Norfolk · Member since 2019 · 25 posts · 28 votes
    4y

    Jason, thanks for the feedback! That is what I was thinking as well. I would just leave behind the push mower/weed whipper I currently use and purchase another inexpensive set for my next house. Thanks for your response!

  • Michael E.Pro Member
    New to Real Estate · Saginaw, MI · Member since 2021 · 99 posts · 115 votes
    4y

    Hi Desmond,

    I would just add that if you do keep the sprinkler system, make sure the tenants understand A) how to use it and B) any damage will be their responsibility.

    Congratulations and good luck.

  • Financial Advisor · Norfolk · Member since 2019 · 25 posts · 28 votes
    4y

    Michael,

    That is what I'm thinking too. I think I'll just ensure they know how to use it/setup the controller. Any damages outside of normal wear/tear they will be liable for as a provision of my lease. Thanks for your feedback!

  • Member since 2019 · 63 posts · 63 votes
    4y

    I have tenants that do their own lawn care. Changing that soon since one of them destroyed the sprinkler, and does not really care for the lawn at all. I recommend you state that sprinkler repairs are their responsibility and have PROOF THAT SPRINKLERS WERE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION TO AVOID THE “SPRINKLER WAS ALREADY BROKEN” LINE. 

    ALSO AD INTO CONTRACT SPECIFICS ON HOW OFTEN THE LAWN CARE SHOULD BE DONE AND WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE IN EXACT DOLLAR AMOUNT IF FAILURE TO DO SO. 

    DONT EXPECT YOUR TENATS TO HAVE COMMON SENSE WRITE CONTRACT AS DETAILED AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y

    My tenants are responsible for ordinary lawn care and snow removal. Ordinary landscaping includes watering, mowing, and applying a weeding/fertilizer mix twice a year. Pruning trees or shrubs is typically an owner responsbility unless the tenant can demonstrate they have the proper tools and knowledge. If there is an automated sprinkler system, the Landlord handles winterizing it and setting it up in the Spring. For manual systems, the tenants are responsible and we help them, as necessary.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Burlington County, NJ · Member since 2019 · 540 posts · 771 votes
    4y

    We provide shovels and basic lawnmowers in our properties where tenants responsible for snow removal and lawn cutting.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    I am running against the grain here, but I would avoid having a tenant responsible for any work at the property. A) there is usually a tenant who does not stick to their part of the bargain, and B) I would be concerned with liability....what if they hurt themselves while running the mower - mower accidents are pretty common. Then you're tied in as having responsibility... "the landlord made me mow the lawn and then the rock hit me in the eye"

  • Financial Advisor · Norfolk · Member since 2019 · 25 posts · 28 votes
    4y

    Bruce, that is a valid point. I have included language in the lease addendum to the effect of "you agree to indemnify and to hold us and our agents harmless from and/or for any and all damages of any nature or kind arising from your use of the equipment" which should help cover that kind of scenario. 

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Desmond Fielding:

    Bruce, that is a valid point. I have included language in the lease addendum to the effect of "you agree to indemnify and to hold us and our agents harmless from and/or for any and all damages of any nature or kind arising from your use of the equipment" which should help cover that kind of scenario. 


     That should help....but you know people nowadays.....just be careful.

  • Member since 2021 · 256 posts · 213 votes
    4y

    Desmond, I added a clause in the lease agreement that states that the tenants are responsible for the Lawn/Snow care. You don't have to provide equipment, but I did. 

    During snow season, Shovel for $20 and Salt for the whole winter another $20.

    I did spend about $600 on a lawn mower, but it pays off big time. The tenant is actually excited to use it and every time I pass by the property, the lawn is like a golf course.

  • Alecia LovelessPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    @Desmond Fielding I have one duplex where I inherited long term tenants who were already maintaining the lawn. They provide the equipment and seem to do an ok job with it. At another property I have an agreement with the next door neighbor where he mows and I plow the driveway we share. The rest of my properties I provide plowing and mowing.

    In all my leases I have a clause that the tenants are responsible for maintaining porches, sidewalks, and the access to their cars for snow removal as I live in a heavy snow state.

    I provide some salt for them each winter, when I am able to pick it up and deliver it, and most of the local towns allow residents to go get free sand/salt mixture from their highway department for free.

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