Tenant's landscaping work requiring landlord's permission?

[Jacky Johnson]

Hi. I have a tenant who has been renting several years in my property. I was doing gardening work for him today and he mentioned that he wanted to pave grass in the backyard and plant scrubs in the front yard. He did an estimate for the pave grass job and showed me pictures of how he planned to plant the scrubs in the front yard. Does he need my permission to do this kind of landscaping work? If not, what kind of landscaping work does tenant need the landlord's permission to do? Thanks.

[Theresa Harris]

It should require your approval.  If it is not something you want done, then you need to tell them no.  If you are fine with them doing it, you need to state what happens when they leave and how it is done.  Do you want it returned to the original condition?  What happens if they don't?  If you are fine keeping it, then make sure it is done properly and check if any permits are required.