Section 8: Require Tenants to Mow?

[Mark S.]

Can you require a Section 8 tenant to mow their own lawn? If so, what are the odds they do it? If you can't require this, can you bump up the rent at all to include it, or is this simply a "cost of doing business?"

[Melissa Moore]

I have Section 8 renters and they mow the yard, and maintain it-it's in the rental contract I used.

There isn't a sprinkler system so they need to water it too. Haven't had any problems other than with tenants that have med-large dogs that made tracks around the yard where they tread, plus grass burn from their urine. I suggest a no pet policy.

BTW I leave a lawn mower in garage for tenants to use, if they don't have one. ( They probably won't go out and buy one right away after forking over the limited cash they have for deposit) You can find deals on mowers at garage sales & Wal-mart is good too for a low cost mower.