Property Maintenance Code Buffalo NYS

[John Mead]

Hello!  Got a bit of a fight on my hands at the moment with my property management company (PMC) based in Buffalo NYS.  For years they have been charging me with a lawn cutting service starting in April and ending in October, a full six months of the year.  The cost is going up every year as are the "repairs" that I am being charged for.  I have two seperate paying tenants, both S8 and both seem reasonably happy (I have not heard otherwise).  Something recently happened (unrelated) that made me dig out the leases (I have signed copies provided by the PMC) and I found that both tenants have signed their leases prior to moving in agreeing to take care of lawn duties - lawn care is specifically and clearly detailed as a clause.  So my problem is this: the PMC want to continue charging me for a lawn service and have told me that neither tenant is prepared to take responsibility.  The PMC also informed me that the leases they provided are standard and if I get a fine from the city I am legally obliged to pay it and they will not charge the tenants. (there is another clause in the leases that states that the tenant will follow all Federal, State, County & municipal laws, regulations & ordinances that apply to the property & walks adjacent etc). I have read the property maintence code of NYS but I feel maybe the PMC found a way to make extra cash and now does not want to lose it?  Where do I stand legally? I don't want to lose the tenants but at the same time the PMC has made ALOT of money from me and I need to pair it back a little. It's worth mentioning that there is not a 'lawn' at the property - it's a small patch of almost dead weedy grass at the kerbside. Appreciate any advice!