Landlord’s Guide to Lawn and Garden Maintenance

How do you make sure your property’s lawn and garden are in good condition when there’s a new tenant? Any arrangement pertaining to garden maintenance, including lawns and trees should be stipulated in the tenancy agreement. For both Landlords/Property Managers and tenants, the condition of the garden and lawn should be documented in both entry and exit condition reports.

Mowing, edging and weeding

Yard work is mainly a responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise specified in the tenancy agreement. This includes mowing, edging and weeding.

Tree lopping and hedging

Tree lopping or pruning trees are generally considered a major type of work thus it is made a responsibility of the Landlord as part of their obligation in maintaining the property in good condition.

Given that this type of work is not as simple as something that can be carried out by anyone, the knowledge, equipment and services of a specialist is therefore required.

Fallen branches

When it comes to fallen branches, there is no standard resolution as to who should be responsible for taking care of it. It basically varies depending on the circumstances involved.

The tenant may be given the responsibility of clearing away small, manageable branches regularly. Larger branches, on the other hand, require a specialist for removal and should be the Landlord’s responsibility.

Repair of damages in the property caused by fallen branches may be the Landlord’s responsibility.

Maintenance contracts

If the yard maintenance is included in the contract between an external company and the Landlord, it should then be stated in the tenancy agreement. The tenant cannot be enforced to enter into a contract with a particular company for maintenance services on top of their rent.

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