For a great number of renters, a straightforward and undoubtedly maintained backyard is all they want or need. If the landscaping is manageable, property owners can expect their tenants to apply their energy in keeping it lovely. Owners should clearly explain their expectations about keeping up the yard, and who is responsible for mowing lawns, weeding flower beds or gravel areas, and so on.
Recognizing a tenant who’s prepared to do all of these efforts is a gem. But what if a tenant would like to create renovations that go above and beyond basic maintenance, notably those that would concern changing the very essnce of the garden and landscaping? Tenants with a green thumb may want to make certain changes, such as adding, moving, or cutting down trees or other plantings, planting a vegetable garden, or even installing a fence, walkway, or patio.
Hoping for a tenant to maintain a well-kept lawn is one thing; accomplishing major changes without permission, beautiful as it may be or well-executed, is a different thing. Alterations of this sort are in direct violation of most leases. In fact, if a tenant does alter the landscaping, it is their responsibility to put it back to its original condition upon moving out. If they can’t (or won’t), they may be subject to penalties or even eviction proceedings.
As confounding as it may be to perceive, tenants of Gilbert rental homes may not comprehend that going beyond their contractual landscaping maintenance responsibilities may violate the terms of their lease. They might even presume that they are doing the property owner a favor by creating something exquisite in the garden. On that account, property owners must clearly communicate the distinction between maintenance and major alterations and to absolutely disclose any possible legal action that may occur.
At Real Property Management East Valley, we include clear statements about yard maintenance and alterations in all of our leases, removing the guesswork from the equation. We also perform regular property evaluations for all of our clients, and can obtain proper action to have trees and bushes trimmed, lawns edged, or intervene in a resident’s unsanctioned yard improvement plans, if critical. If you would like to comprehend more about our property management services in Gilbert, please contact us online or call 480-981-7000 for details.