Lawn service for a duplex - Workers Comp?

Question

I just bought a duplex and I need someone to cut the grass.  The tenants won't do it.  I want to hire someone reputable but I've been quoted a $40 minimum.  They have workers comp, which is a big plus.

I thought I'd be paying around $25-$30 because it's a small yard.

I'm assuming I can get in a world of trouble if an uninsured person I hire to cut the grass falls or cuts off his/her foot.

Can an experienced landlord guide me?

Annette Torsarkissian · Answer

Hey Dan, 
	From previous experience I would suggest getting a good insurance for your duplex to avoid anyone that gets injured on your property sues you. Insurance also comes with protection against vandalism and break ins so that's a plus.

Jerry W. · Answer

@Dan Costantino the question is are they an employee of yours or are they an independent contractor?  If they are your employee then worker's comp pays for their medical bills if you participate and pay your WC premium.  An independent contractor is in charge of himself, he has his own equipment, and sets his own hours, etc.  Generally he is liable for his own actions.

Now anyone except your own employee (if you pay into WC) can sue you if they are injured.  the question is can they win.  you have to have breached a duty of care in order for them to win.  Generally your liability insurance policy should cover this kind of problem.  The minimum policy I get is $300K but I have an umbrella policy over all of the rentals that is a lot more.

Hope that helps.

Brock Siebert · Answer

@Aaron Junck

Very good point, your a better client that way!

Aaron Junck · Answer

@Brock Siebert I completely agree, however the concept is not much different than that of property management companies getting better pricing by having one company do many of their lawns. Or possibly a contractor getting better pricing on materials because they buy more than John Doe off the street.

My point is if you call a lawn service and say hey I have 10 properties can you get me pricing for them? 1. They are going to try to be more competitive because they are bidding on 10 not 1 .2. they will be more assertive if an issues arise if they believe they may lose 10 properties vs 1.

Jerry W. · Answer

@Dan Costantino if you are truly worried about liability hire the professional.  if you are worried about price hire the teen.  your liability if the teen gets hurt is much greater than a professional.  the price for the professional is higher because he has to buy insurance.

Brock Siebert · Answer

@Aaron Junck

That would be much more likely to work if they were all within a stones throw of each other.

Aaron Junck · Answer

If your part of a REIA ask them who they recommend and maybe a couple of you could negotiate with a local company a discount if you get them multiple properties.

Brock Siebert · Answer

Look around to see if there is a service that cuts any of the neighboring lawns, they would likely to give you a better rate since they would be loading/unloading the equipment less. My parents did this and the guy cuts it for $15 less than the neighbors...laughs on them and also ended up getting a few more neighbors onboard too. It costs them less so a smart businessman would pass on the saving rather than lose the work, if it boils down to that!

Dan Costantino · Answer

Thank you Jerry. I would not hire someone as an employee.

Let me clarify. If I hire a neighborhood teen to cut the grass with their own mower, could they be considered an Independent contractor if I have them and their guardian sign an ICA?

Lawn service for a duplex - Workers Comp?

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