Poisonous plants addendum? - Landlord Forum thread

Poisonous plants addendum? by outabout (CO) on April 29, 2012 @00:03

Many popular backyard plants are poisonous to human and/or animals. The list includes:

Oleander
Lily of the Valley
Hydrangeas
Peonies
Narcissus
Rhododendron
Castor-bean plants
Foxglove
Delphiniums
Wisteria
Mums

Actually the list goes and goes, include dozens and dozens of popular backyard plants. There has been incidents where the a tenant wanted the landlord to foot the vet bill because her pet ate a poisonous plant in the rental property and threatened to sue.

Does anyone have a poisonous plants addendum? I have decided to come up with such an addendum that points out these plants in my next lease.

I know people will probably roll their eyes and say what's next, but we live in a society where people will never admit their own stupidity and always try to blame others, Landlords in particular.

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Re: Poisonous plants addendum? by Jonathan (RI) on April 29, 2012 @00:18	[ Reply ]

" I know people will probably roll their eyes and say what's next" I do roll my eyes, it disgusts me the lack of responsibility or just everyday risk people seem to not be able to handle in this litigious society. But you are 100% correct. I don't have a plant addendum, but am rethinking my stand on trying to simplify agreements with tenants. There may be poison ivy in my back yard, but I guess I should hold their hands and make them safe. I am going to rethink how thorough my monthly agreements are, why not protect my butt?

Re: Poisonous plants addendum? by Anonymous on April 29, 2012 @01:27	[ Reply ]

Maybe another way is to know what's in your backyard, and if they are poisonous to children or pets, remove them. I think with narcissus, it's only the bulbs that are poisonous. There are also poisonous house plants, too, but that's on the tenant.

Re: Poisonous plants addendum? by Pat (IL) on April 29, 2012 @07:48	[ Reply ]

I have castor bean plants every summer - I just post a small danger-poison sign. and I don't allow pets

Re: Poisonous plants addendum? by Katiekate (New York) on April 29, 2012 @09:08	[ Reply ]

Such plants have been in yards since the dawn of civilization..and every once in a while some little kid will try to eat one. Thing is, only a baby or toddler would try it..and WHERE is the parents? I have reached the point where I think it is time that we all quit protecting the stupid. Stupid needs to be fatal once again. Anyway..I require the tenants to keep control of their kids. That covers a host of items..not just eating the landscaping..but beating it into the ground too..tearing down bushes and trees...and generally spreading trash everywhere.

Re: Poisonous plants addendum? by outabout (CO) on April 29, 2012 @12:13	[ Reply ]

There are more than 400 plants that are said to be toxic to dogs and cats, at least that many or more for children. Many of them are routinely sold in the stores as intended to be use in the yard. If we removed all of them from our homes, there won't be much of landscaping anymore.