Re: Wondering - Landlord Forum thread

Re: Wondering by Anna Mouse on March 5, 2012 @13:40

One point is we are almost okay with bare minimum as we feel we could fix it the next year. They let the lawn go completly, then they don't get another lease. They do a bit more than bare minimum and there okay with it that way who cares! Mowing once a month or less and not watering at all or very little, is not okay.

I agree hiring a service is the wise choice. My partner-husband is having issues, gah! Issues with the tenants issues.

So funny I was the boss in a previous life in another business. I had people I worked with whom I respected their opinion. They swayed me often to change policy other times I did it my way. Working with someone who has equal say is proving a challenge. So here I sit, spinning, trying to figure a way to get my way and his. OH MY!

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Re: Wondering by Anonymous on March 5, 2012 @14:24	[ Reply ]

I would call a handful of lawn services and get price quotes on how much they charge for basic care once a week or even bi-weekly. It's probably not that much. Then show your husband the price and explain how little it would cost to keep from running into tenant rent pricing disputes if they don't take care of the lawn at all. Also, what happens to the rent amount over the winter? Obviously, lawn care isn't necessary if you live in seasonal climates.

Re: Wondering by Lise on March 5, 2012 @15:15	[ Reply ]

I had the same issue, and here's what O did : I did not reduced the rent, but I paid the tenant 60 dollars each month : during spring, summer and fall: to cut the grasse and clean the leaves - in fall and winter: to clean the porches, entrance and ways from snow and ice. I provided the snow blower, the mower and ice melt. In doing so, it is considered as two different businesses, and you do not mixed up the rent with the cleaning of the alleys and garden. It worked fine to me.

Re: Wondering by P-Bone in WNY (NY) on March 5, 2012 @15:40	[ Reply ]

The only issues I've seen with this type of arrangement is the equipment. If you provide the equipment, first off, you're responsible to maintain it, which may be difficult depending on whether or not the tenant properly uses it or misuses it. Second, which would be my big concern, is if you provide the equipment and the tenant doesn't know how to use it safely, are you protected if they cut their hand off in the snow blower? Honestly, it's not a path I'd want to try to debate myself out of.