Are tenants allowed to change the landscaping?
mholtz asked:
In my backyard there is a total mayhem. There are sharp cactus plants that have overgrown their area, there is mounds of dirt in the backyard and total weeds in the lawn. Is it possible for me to do some of the yard work and plant new plants? I want to take out the cactus and lay some grass down. Is that ok to do as a tenant?
In my backyard there is a total mayhem. There are sharp cactus plants that have overgrown their area, there is mounds of dirt in the backyard and total weeds in the lawn. Is it possible for me to do some of the yard work and plant new plants? I want to take out the cactus and lay some grass down. Is that ok to do as a tenant?
6 Responses to “Are tenants allowed to change the landscaping?”
why don’t you just ask the owner
The best thing to do is ask the land lord before you try to change anything.
The best thing to do is to check your lease. If it is not listed specifically in the lease, you should contact the landlord. Usually, they will never complain if you want to improve their property. Fixing the mounds of dirt and planting new plants would probably not be a problem, however, taking out the cactus may have some repercussions without specific permission.
Take a look at the contract you signed when you moved in, before you do ANYTHING!
I am sure that if you want to spend the money to improve his property he will be happy to let you do so. I suggest that you present him with a plan, have him review it and ask his permission to proceed with the work.
Know that you will have to complete the work in a reasonable time and that whatever you plant will become his property.
Ask your landlord or property manager. If you get the go ahead, then go ahead. Just don’t invest a huge amount of money in somewhere you’re only renting. If you’re looking for good prices on stuff, try places like Big Lots for cheap grass seed and mix it with a bag of good stuff. You can find plants for less at farmers markets, sometimes roadside stands, yard sales, etc. If you have a friend with a nice flower garden, harvest some seeds, label, and save for next year or THIS year if you live somewhere always warm. Seeds are much cheaper than plants and things like marigolds you can seed directly into the ground, water and wait for a few weeks. Voila! Bright cheerful cheap.
have fun