Providing Lawncare to Tenants in a SFR

[Paul S.]

Hello BP community! I was wondering what other people's experiences and thoughts were on providing yard maintenance to the tenants of a SFR.

Right now the tenant is responsible for lawn care; I was considering providing that service for the tenant. I am not sure if this would make the home more attractive to a potential renter since that is one less thing they have to worry about.

I have a quote of $110 monthly during the grass cutting season and $55 a month during the winter season. Service includes mowing, trimming, blowing, bushes and shrubs as well as maintaining the flower beds. I was considering raising the rent by $50 a month but I am not sure that this service is really even necessary. I generally do not have an issue keeping the house rented so I am not sure if the extra reduction in cash flow is worth it. The only benefit I can see is that it may reduce vacancy rate (which is very low) and I will have peace of mind knowing that the yard is being maintained.

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

Paul

[Roy N.]

Originally posted by @Paul S.:

@Roy N. that is almost funny that they would mow a 10X10 patch or use photoshop to try and pull one over. Some people will do more work to try and get over when they could just get out and mow the grass and be done with it.

 Paul,

I'm guessing you do not rent to students?  I have watched a student tenant begrudgingly pickup a snow shovels (which we provided) because his car could not push its way through the 8" of fresh snow in the drive.  He then proceeded to cut a swath the width of his car, all the while throwing the snow behind his roommates car.   He wasn't being malevolent, he was only thinking about his immediate need and trying to do the least amount of shovelling possible.

Earlier this summer, I just happened to be passing by one of our student houses when I noticed the neighbour from across the street, who is in her mid 70s, pushing their garbage dolly to the curb.  I immediately stopped to relieve her of the task only to learn that she had been putting out my tenants garbage for six weeks because they would let if overflow, which would draw the skunks and raccoons into the neighbourhood.  When spoke to the tenants about the matter, they were aware the elderly lady from across the street was putting out their trash - and, worse, didn't seemed bothered by it.  We sent them shaming letter, along with a bill for $200 which we paid to the neighbour.