Landlord states they'll pay for lawn care. Need advice

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Landlord states they'll pay for lawn care. Need advice

Zachary Scott
Raleigh, NC · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 4 votes

Hey guys,

I rent the home my wife and I currently live in. In the lease agreement, the landlord stated that his company will pay for lawn care. Well here it is mid April in NC and if you're familiar with the climate here we have been mowing since early March due to warmer weather. My question is am I entitled to taking lawn care expenses out of the monthly rent? Considering I have bought gas, oil, a weed-eater, lawn tools, etc.?

This guy has to be the worst landlord ever as he does as minimal as possible to keep his bottom line, hasnt made repairs he stated he would, etc. He only responds to me if I threaten to take expenses off of the rent. I do not mind doing the yard work, I actually take pride in it but would $100 off the monthly rent be fair assessment considering it would cost much more than this if it was done on a weekly basis. Any input is greatly appreciated from you landlords out there and property managers. Thanks!

Zack

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Account Closed
Investor · Henderson, NC · Member since 2016 · 484 posts · 208 votes
10y

I agree, if the lawn care is included, you should not have to pay full price if you are not getting it. The landlord is legally bound to provide it for you or provide you a reduction in cost.

That's fine if you would rather take over the yard care, you are helping the landlord out by doing this. In return you should not be paying the price that was agreed upon to include yard care.

The unfortunate fact is, if your landlord is a slumlord now, he's always going to be, with every issue that ever comes up. The law IS on your side, however, this might be a good time to start thinking about other places to live...he's always going to be a bad landlord.

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  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    10y

    Tenants are never allowed to decide to not pay any portion of their rent for any reason. You have no rights as a tenant to make any assessment on the value of your contribution and any portion of non payment can result in an eviction.

    What you do have is the right to stop doing the maintenance or apply through your state landlord/tenant dispute system for a rent rebate.

    You will need to read your state landlord tenant regulations to find out exactly what your rights are and how to claim as every state has different regulations.

    Rather than do that I advise tenants that are not happy to move. If you choose to stay you accept the conditions as they are.  

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  • Zachary Scott
    OP
    Raleigh, NC · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    I am happy where we live. I feel a contract should be honored on both ends is all, dont you? Thanks for the advice though and I will look into that.

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  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Zachary Scott:

    I am happy where we live. I feel a contract should be honored on both ends is all, dont you? Thanks for the advice though and I will look into that.

     If you withhold part of the rent, he is going to file for eviction. You do not want an eviction coming up on your records. Talk to your landlord, but dont withold the rent unless you are ready for the consequences of doing so.

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  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    10y

    Contracts should be honoured however as a tenant your only recourse is to take your landlord through your state enforcement system to resolve the matter. Contracts can be enforced but only through the proper procedures.

    As a landlord I believe you would be far better off moving than fighting in situations such as yours. You can not change people and the likely out come is only going to be a irreparable relationship with your landlord. 

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  • Zachary Scott
    OP
    Raleigh, NC · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    Ok. I agree @Thomas S. Thanks for your advice. We like where we live so do the yard work and move on. That's what I will do.

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  • Account Closed
    San Jose, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10y

    @Zachary Scott I think it's fair to approach your landlord.  You may not get any satisfaction, but it's worth a try.   How about:

    Dear Lazy Penny-Pinching Landlord:

    As you know, our rent includes lawn care.  However, I have been maintaining the lawn since the weather changed and the lawn started requiring mowing again at the beginning of March.  I purchased a weed-eater and other tools and have been taking care of it myself.

    I am willing to take care of the lawn, but I think it would be a fair compromise to pay less rent.  As a regular lawn service would cost approximately (fill in the blank), I believe it would be quite fair for you to lower my rent by $100 to take over the yard care.

    Please send me your written agreement to lower my rent by $100 for taking over the lawn care by end of next week.  The other option is for you to make sure it's get done regularly from now on.  I am not willing to continue to take care of the lawn without some form of compensation.  $100 off the rent would be acceptable.

    Love,

    You

    Or some version of that.  And then just see what happens.  Good luck!

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  • Account Closed
    Investor · Henderson, NC · Member since 2016 · 484 posts · 208 votes
    10y

    I agree, if the lawn care is included, you should not have to pay full price if you are not getting it. The landlord is legally bound to provide it for you or provide you a reduction in cost.

    That's fine if you would rather take over the yard care, you are helping the landlord out by doing this. In return you should not be paying the price that was agreed upon to include yard care.

    The unfortunate fact is, if your landlord is a slumlord now, he's always going to be, with every issue that ever comes up. The law IS on your side, however, this might be a good time to start thinking about other places to live...he's always going to be a bad landlord.

    1Reply
  • Kelly N.
    Investor · SE, MI · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 461 votes
    10y

    I think you need to talk with the landlord.  I used to have a lawncare company, and if someone was paying me to mow a lawn and the lawn was already mowed, I wouldn't have mowed it and wouldn't have charged the landlord.  Is it possible that someone is supposed to be mowing it and hasn't b/c you have?  It may even be that they are charging the landlord to mow the lawn even though they aren't, so definitely have a chat with the landlord.   

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