Rental house landscaping

[Matthew King]

I saw no discussions specifically on this so I apologize if it's been discussed before.   On a rental I have very basic landscaping done and to be honest, it's kind of bland.  If a renter wants to make their dwelling look prettier is it feasible to just let them have at it assuming nothing is changed that isn't reversible?   Obviously if they don't care then I don't see the point of me spending money or anything while they are there for cosmetics.  

What about fixing/updating the walkway leading up to the front door?   It's not in disrepair by any means but the bricks are starting to sag, is that an area of concern?

[Marcia Maynard]

Landscaping is an important component of curb appeal and should be in keeping with the home and neighborhood. Take pride in your property and the tenants are more likely to take pride in it too. We want our tenants to take care of the property and "make it their own home", within reason.

Choose landscaping that is easy to care for, drought tolerant, and classic. Avoid exotic, hard to care for plant materials, or plants that are highly susceptible to disease and/or insects.

Consider elements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design CPTED.... google it to learn more.

Here's an excerpt from our rental agreement, you may find helpful:

LANDSCAPING/YARD CARE.Regular landscaping/yard care (mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizer, weed control) will be provided by _______________________.

For all Tenants:

a.Tenant agrees to keep yards, walkways, patios and decks clear and to keep premises free of junk and debris.

b.Tenant accepts liability for all landscape damage and/or replacement of such, if caused by neglect, abuse or lack of water.

c.Tenant may plant the beds adjacent to their dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are of appropriate size and type for the beds.All plants brought or caused to be brought to the property by Tenant will be cared for by Tenant.

d.Tenant agrees not to cut or prune trees, hedges and shrubs.This will be Landlord’s responsibility.

e.Tenant agrees to properly dispose of all plant debris and agrees to not leave such on the property.

f.Landlord will consider special Tenant requests for planting and removal of plants, shrubbery and trees, but reserves the right to determine the make-up of the landscaping.

For Tenants of single family homes only:

a.Tenant agrees to mow, water, and keep the grass, lawn, flowers and shrubbery thereon in good order and condition, applying fertilizers and weed retardant as needed.

b.If there is a failure of Tenant to keep the landscaping in good order and to follow these guidelines, Landlord reserves the right to hire a landscaping service at Tenant’s expense (after a 10-day notice to perform covenant).

c.Landlord reserves the right to restore the landscaping to its initial condition, as it was at the time Tenant began occupancy, or if improved during Tenant’s occupancy, to the level of such improvement. Restoration will be at Tenant’s expense.