All Forum Posts by: Shari Karanas

I walked over to the guesthouse to take pictures where the gardenia bushes were. To my horror, they have cut down my sweet olive bush, Mexican heather and my nandina plant. They took gravel out of the parking lot and deposited it in front of the wooden deck. I’m so furious.

I have a paragraph about alterations in the lease agreement and they are to get written permission first. They didn’t even ask me!!!

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.