Tenant Cuts Down Gardenias

[Shari Karanas]

I’m a new landlord. My husband I just retired last year. We have a guesthouse on our property and decided to rent it out. My tenants moved in October 1st. I’ve had some issues with them, but nothing super bad until recently. Of course they’ve taken advantage of not having to pay rent for January. They signed the CDC Declaration. Probably won’t see February’s rent either.

Last week my tenant took it upon himself to cut down two beautifully mature gardenia bushes. This spring they were going to be magnificent. What makes it even worse is my daughter had given them to me as little plants. For years I’ve been taking care of them and watching them grow. They were placed in a good spot out in the yard, not close to the house. In my lease it states that the tenant is not responsible for lawn/yard work.

I asked him what happened to my bushes. His response was it was an accident! What??!! How do you accidentally cut down two mature bushes?

I’m curious as to what my recourse is? I’d really like to evict them, but with the moratorium I’m not sure I can.

They’ve gotten very nasty towards me in the last few months. I can even walk comfortably on my own property anymore.

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

[Andrew B.]

Call the police non emergency number and ask them to document the vandalism to support you in taking these scumbags to court. If I were you I would hire an attorney and try to have them evicted for destruction of property (should be a lease violation) and sure them for damages. You can get a landscaping quote (or three) to justify the damages.