Lawn Maintenance: Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities Made Simple
Lawn maintenance is one of the key areas of concern regarding the upkeep of rental properties. As property managers all over the world are aware, a well-maintained lawn is not only important for enhanced curb appeal but also contributes to a pleasant living experience for all residents.
When choosing a home, nearly 72% of potential residents note that a spacious, well-maintained lawn is one of their top priorities. It makes sense then that the question of lawn maintenance and who cares for the property’s outdoor areas frequently arises among residents and property managers.
This article clarifies the respective roles of property managers and residents regarding lawn maintenance.
Who Is Responsible For Yard Maintenance?
The responsibility for yard maintenance typically falls under the purview of the property manager. The manager is usually responsible for the upkeep of these areas of the rental property. Still, it’s imperative to consider each property independently, as there are some apartments and rental homes where this does not hold true.
In most cases, however, the property manager is responsible for regular mowing, trimming, and fertilizing the lawn. They may also handle pest control, irrigation system maintenance, and general landscaping. These are the larger tasks that, in many cases, impact more than one property.
Consider, for example, the communal outdoor space at an apartment complex or between single-family homes, all managed by the same company. These areas do not belong to a single person or group. They are instead under the control of the broader property management company.
There are some outdoor maintenance tasks that residents are commonly asked to do, though. These include daily yard care, such as watering plants, weeding flower beds, and keeping the yard free of clutter. This could include everything from raking leaves and removing fallen branches to maintaining the cleanliness of outdoor areas.
Lawn Maintenance For Townhouses, Apartments, And Condos
Lawn maintenance for townhouses, apartments, and condos usually falls under the responsibility of the property manager or owner, as well. A maintenance team will often be involved to ensure every task is completed.
Property managers know how important it is to keep the grounds clean and well-landscaped to attract potential residents. To ensure the property looks as good as possible, the manager and maintenance team will take responsibility for mowing, edging, and fertilizing the lawn around apartment complexes.
They may also handle the maintenance of common areas, including walkways, gardens, and recreational spaces.
Residents in townhouses, apartments, and condos are usually not individually responsible for directly maintaining the lawn or outdoor areas. However, they are expected to contribute to maintaining a clean and orderly environment by adhering to any rules or guidelines set by the property manager or homeowner’s association.
One of the most common rules residents are asked to follow concerns keeping their yards or outdoor spaces clear of clutter.
Lawn Maintenance For Single-Detached Homes
Single-detached homes often offer larger and more complicated yards to take care of. Like multiple-unit properties where uniformity and centralized management are important, single-detached homes give homeowners more autonomy regarding yard care and landscaping choices.
In the case of a home like this, residents are generally responsible for maintaining their lawns and outdoor areas. This includes mowing the lawn, watering plants, weeding flower beds, and overall upkeep of the yard. The type of yard maintenance will vary depending on the property, so one should consider each situation individually.
There may also be neighborhood guidelines or homeowner’s association rules that homeowners should adhere to. This can complicate various yard-care situations further.
Yard Maintenance Responsibilities: Always Read The Lease Agreement
If you’re a resident concerned about whether or not you’re responsible for the yard maintenance of your property, the best thing you can do is consult your lease agreement. It is a legally binding document that outlines the owner’s and tenant’s rights and responsibilities.
Regardless of your property type, the lease agreement will specify who is responsible for yard maintenance. To avoid misunderstandings or conflicts regarding lawn care, it’s essential to read and understand this lease section thoroughly. If you have questions after reading the document, consult your property manager directly.
Empower Residents To Conduct Rental Property Inspections Themselves
For most rental properties, maintaining the safety and livability of rental properties is a shared responsibility between property managers and residents. One of the best ways to empower residents and ensure they take care of their personal space is to encourage them to conduct rental property inspections themselves.
Taking a proactive approach using a platform like RentCheck, will make it far more likely that residents will identify potential issues, communicate them to their property managers, and work together towards timely resolutions.
We highly recommend signing up for RentCheck. It’s an online platform that helps residents take care of property inspections, including exterior inspections.
RentCheck allows residents to schedule and perform inspections easily, document any concerns or damages with photos and detailed descriptions, and securely share their findings with property managers.
By conducting these apartment inspections themselves, residents can actively participate in maintaining the quality of their living spaces and create a stronger line of communication with their managers.
Don’t wait to take control of your property and ease the pressure of your day-to-day tasks; sign up for RentCheck today!
