Tenants says it's the landlord's responsibility to cut the grass

[Nat C.]

Tenant living in SFR refuses to cut grass. First she told me it was my responsibility to buy her a lawn mower to cut the grass. I went there today for the first time in months and the grass is knee deep. I'm worried I'm going to get a violation from the city soon.

I asked the tenant again to please cut the grass and now she tells me it's my responsibility as the landlord to send a maintenance company to cut the grass. Unfortunately there is nothing in the lease which specifies the tenant needs to cut the grass. I used the BP standard lease in file place which unfortunately doesn't say anything about yard maintenance and I have definitely learnt for next time!

I see my only option as sending her a letter explaining she must maintain the house and yard and hope she complies. If anyone knows a better way, please tell me.

[Lisa Ryan]

I think you're screwed on this one for the remainder of the lease.

From the link below, which is specific to Florida -

"Unless the lease states otherwise, all lawn and landscaping maintenance is the landlord's duty."

http://www.evict.com/?page=legnew1005