Landlord Responsibilities and Expectations for Lawn Maintenance

The summer months are ahead of us and now is the time that nature is really taking a toll on our lawns.  Most property management companies and property owners take the duty of maintaining their lawns seriously.  Having a presentable lawn brings substantial value to your property.  Some landlords also shift the responsibility to their tenants but most of the time it doesn't benefit the parties involved.  Since this is mostly the case, here is our suggestions in maintaining your lawns during the summer month.

Why tenants should not be responsible for lawn care
Sometimes owners and property management companies decide that it would be advantageous to have their tenants upkeep the lawns of their properties.   The customary agreement would be the landlord would reduce the amount of the rent by having the tenant take care of the lawn.  The reason some landlords decide to this is the time involved.  If you are a landlord with multiple properties it is time consuming to schedule with your tenant and having the work done.  Whether it be performed by yourself or using a lawn maintenance company there is a benefit, in theory in shifting the resources towards the tenant.
The problem in this situation is tenants sometimes neglect their responsibilities or do not perform the job that is expected.  Landlords should always have in writing what the expectations of lawn maintenance is for the tenants.  This is normally done as an addendum to the lease.  Whether it be just mowing the grass or the additional effort of removing tree limbs, weeds and using pesticides all of these issues should be addressed in an agreement.  The failure to do so will result in you having to do the work yourself or hiring someone, costing you additional monies.  Plus the added confrontation with the tenant is not beneficial to anyone involved.

Landlords responsible for lawn care
Without an agreement otherwise, the landlord or property management company is normally responsible for the maintenance of the property's lawn.  Although it may increase the cost to the tenant, the benefits to the owner far outweigh the added rent.

By taking on the responsibility of the lawn care, the landlord is in total control of the look and expectations surrounding the exterior.  In most instances, landlords in this situation find it advantageous to hire a professional lawn care provider.  By doing so, you now have the advice of professionals who understand what is needed as having their expertise and tools to handle any issue that might arise. The added benefit of fertilizing and reseeding when necessary is another great benefit of using a professional outfit.  Partnering with a company will certainly save a landlord time and in some instances money.  This is especially true if you have multiple real estate investments in New York City.

What is the right fit for you?
At the end of the day it does come to how comfortable you are with your tenants and the level of service you will receive.  In our experience, it advantageous to use experienced professionals to do the job.  No one wants to inspect their property and see dead dried out grass or overgrown weeds.   If you decide not to, remember always have it in writing what you are expecting!

Blue Harbour Property Management is a full service NYC property management company servicing the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.  Whether it be a 1 bedroom condo or multi-family building we are able to assist our clients maximize their investments.

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