While operating an investment home, a highly recurring question that rental owners ask is: Who is responsible for landscaping? A lot of landlords assume tenants should maintain the yard, yet this selection may impact property value, tenant satisfaction, and legal compliance. Discerning your alternatives as an owner is vital to selecting the correct route.
Understanding Landscaping Responsibilities in Rental Properties
Groundskeeping duties are rarely dictated by local statutes, making it essential to outline them clearly in your lease agreement. In the role of lessor, you hold diverse strategies, each carrying its distinct benefits and drawbacks. In the paragraphs below, we examine these avenues to help you decide what’s best for your property and tenants.
You will find both pros and cons to assigning landscape maintenance to your tenant; similarly, there are pros and cons to taking care of it yourself (or hiring someone to do it for you). To make the right choice for your property, it’s important to take a closer look at the responsibilities of landscaping maintenance from both perspectives.
Option 1: Landlord Handles Landscaping
In the role of the property titleholder, the most reliable way to ensure landscaping is maintained correctly is to hire a professional service. Such a strategy reduces the risk of your lawn or plants being neglected. Professional landscaping can help maintain curb appeal and protect your property value.
With steady oversight, rental property will always have great curb appeal, enabling you to protect your investment. Offering landscaping as an included service can attract higher-quality tenants who are open to paying a premium for comfort. Still, be aware that if you choose to handle maintenance personally, you must comply with legal requirements regarding notice before entering the property.
In addition to these bottlenecks, if you plan to do the yard maintenance work yourself, you’ll need the time, skills, and tools to do the job efficiently. If your primary residence is not close to the unit, this might rapidly turn into a severe obstacle. Additionally, the time you spend caring for your property’s yard may not represent the most strategic use of your limited schedule.
Potential Drawbacks
Hiring a professional landscaping company is an added expense. Be sure to include landscaping costs in your budget calculations to avoid cash flow issues. Finding a reliable and affordable contractor can also be challenging. If you use a property manager, they may have preferred vendors who offer discounted rates.
Option 2: Tenant Handles Landscaping
Many landlords choose to make landscaping the tenant’s responsibility. This strategy shifts the time and expense of yard work to the tenant. Capable occupants often have the machinery and background to preserve the lawns, assisting you to keep the property looking its best year-round.
Potential Drawbacks
A good number of renters might lack the ability or desire to sustain the exterior to your strict benchmarks. If the yard is neglected, you risk property damage and reduced curb appeal. Tenants may lack the necessary equipment or experience and requiring them to purchase expensive tools can be a barrier for some renters. There are also safety and liability considerations if you provide tools or equipment. If a tenant is injured using your equipment or damages it, you could face legal or financial issues.
Best Practices for Landlords: Setting Clear Expectations
When all is said and done, concluding who is responsible for landscaping at your rental property hinges on your specific scenario. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider your availability, budget, and tenant profile. Whatever your path may be, clearly outline landscaping responsibilities in your lease agreement to avoid disputes and ensure both parties understand their obligations.
Should you necessitate specialist consultation or hope to delegate groundskeeping for your Warren rental property, touch base with Real Property Management Metro Detroit. Property owners can reach us online or get in touch at 248-808-6550 for further insights.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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