Need low-cost / low-maintenance solution for a rental

[Whitney Hutten]

Hi! We are closing next week on this home as a BRRR. We've put together a nice punchlist for the inside, but I'm stymied by what to do on the outside. The front has grass and rose bushes, so it's not as bad as it looks. The backyard is literally a clean slate after you account for cleanup. The side yard also needs a solution as there is a HUGE bay window that overlooks it and the neighbors not so wonderful fence.

My husband was thinking all mulch, but we tend to rent to people with young families with a dog.  I was thinking of rock, bushes to hide the fences that aren't ours, and a smaller grass patch.  Help!  Our budget is very slim on this one, so ideas on numbers and any contacts are welcomed too.  And for plant suggestions we are in Zone 4/5.

Thanks!