Is lawn care covered in standard lease?

[Ryan D.]

Hi,

I have a new tenant in a rental and in two weeks it's clear that I made a huge mistake putting him in there. He is extremely demanding that I fix and make any house modifications that he says and has recently told me that he has shut off water to the sprinkler system because it's a waste of money for him.

Unfortunately, I do not have a specific lawn care clause in the lease.  However, I do have the following written:

17. SURRENDER OF PREMISES. Upon the expiration of the term hereof, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Colorado Lease Agreement, reasonable use and wear and tear thereof and damages by the elements excepted.

Can I use that section in the lease to hold him responsible for damage incurred to the lawn when the lease is over?

I have learned so much about holes in my lease since having such a difficult tenant (which I will include in the next lease version), but I am stuck here with him for now?

Any other advice for me would be greatly appreciated as I am pretty new to the landlord thing.

Thank you,

Ryan