Lawn Maint and Tenants

[Julie Cyran]

Hi - bought my first rental property in Jan and rented it quickly.  The issue is the lawn.  In the lease it says the tenant will mow the lawn weekly.  I have provided a new lawn mower, but it has been 2 weeks and the lawn has not been cut.  I sent a text message and asked if the new lawn mower was working and  asked when would the lawn would be done.  Got a message right back saying they know, but had been working double shifts and would get it done asap.  How much time do I give them? What other actions can I take if it does not get cut ?  Rent is always on time and no other issues.  - Thanks -  

[Tyson Luthy]

This is a very easy question to answer:

You should give them exactly 1 week.

That's what you lease says and that is what you both have agreed to in writing. 

If you stick to the lease you won't ever go wrong.

Take a picture of the lawn so it's documented, and serve a lease violation notice. This will set proper expectations with the tenants as well.

If they learn you make exceptions to the lawn, then they may begin to push their limits and see what else you will let slide.

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(This may seem unusually harsh or strict. But it is more about the principle and setting proper expectations)