How to have 2 separate tenants share lawn maintenance?

Question

We own a mixed-use building with 2 commercial tenants on the bottom floor and 2 apartments on the top floor.   The building has a total of 4 separate addresses and has a small lawn behind it that's used by all the tenants.

I'm in the process of revising the commercial leases and would like the 2 commercial tenants to share responsibility for the maintenance of the lawn.    When I lived in town it was easy to handle this maintenance myself, but now that I live over 1,000 miles away, I'd rather hand over the responsibility to them.   It would also make it easier to ensure that the work actually gets done.  It's a tiny area (about 15' x 15') so finding a landscaper willing to do the work is difficult.

Ideally I would like the tenants to all be able to share the area and somehow share the maintenance of the lawn.   If I put just one tenant or the other in charge of the lawn, I see them wanting to become territorial about it.

Any suggestions on how this could be done?

Colleen F. · Answer

Eliminate the lawn?   Unless there is a real need for grass, could you have some non-grass landscaping done?  Alternately find out who does the landscaping nearby and try to get them to do yours too, pass that cost on.

Account Closed · Answer

I agree.  Hire a landscaper and charge the tenants.  Then you only have to deal with the landscaper, and you can hire and fire at will.  You won't want to get in the middle of the bickering that will happen with the tenants, which will take up more time than you'll want to spend, and cause you headaches.

Even grown tenants can sound like they're teenagers whining....But Moooooommmmmm!!! It's her turn!!!  She never does it right, so I have to do more work!!!!  It's not faaaaiiiiirrrr!!!  LOL

Al Williamson · Answer

In the pool of ideas, let's double down on the lawn. As a shade structure, landscaper, seating options and tact on common area expenses for the improved area.

George P. · Answer

these suggestions are spot on. either charge them all and hire someone. or eliminate it and put benches umbrella so they can eat lunches outside.

but then again... who'd want to be outside in AZ at any point 10 months out of the year? ;)

John Thedford · Answer

Add in a lawn maintenance fee. If you can split it four ways that would be fair to all. Otherwise, some may feel they are being treated differently and that could lead to problems.

How to have 2 separate tenants share lawn maintenance?

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