Responsibility of tenant/landlord for having trees cut down?

Question

My landlord just called me and said I had to pay partial payment to have trees cut down in the backyard. Those trees(actually seedlings that grew into large trees) were there when I moved in years ago. Because it is a city ordinance to have grown trees only to fence line, was presented with a citation, and the landlord hired someone to cut down these trees. She's claiming they were weeds but if the trunk of a weed is as round as a steering wheel, I would have to say they were trees and she should be responsible. If I don't pay a portion of that bill she stated that she will raise my rent again.

What is the law in the city of Wyandotte, Michigan?

Please anyone....help me out with this one.

Answer 1

As a tenant you are not responsible for having trees cut back or removed from the property. That is solely the landlords responsibility. You need to read your lease carefully. Some trees are considered junk trees and should be removed. A weed is a unwanted plant or tree, however that does not mean you should or need to pay half of anything. You can go on-line and look up what your states statues are on renters property and renter's rights. Good luck, I would not pay a nickle until you find out for sure.

Answer 2

She can't charge you to remove trees, but she can raise your rent, but only when your lease renews. You didn't plant the trees so they aren't your responsibility.

Answer 3

If the offending plants were actually trees, it's the landlord's responsibility to handle such a situation.  However, she CAN raise your rent if you don't cooperate.  The choice is yours to make.

Answer 4

The answer is in your lease- get it out.  

Are you in a lease/option, or a straight up rental?  That will make a difference.  

I reccomend bringing your lease to a lawer who handles real estate matters and gives free consultations.  Ask what you are obligated to do based on your lease.  If your landlord continues, explain what you learned at the lawyers office, and be prepared to leave at the end of your lease term.  It sounds to me like she is trying to get something out of you based on your ignorance of your agreement.  I wouldn't stay in a property mannaged by this woman if I didn't have to.  She cannot raise your rent in the middle of a rental period (unless that's stipulated in your lease, and you NEVER should have signed that!!).

Answer 5

First; she cannot raise your rent unless your lease has expired ; then she can raise your rent.

TREES are part of the property and the landlord's  / Owner's responsibility ; NOT the tenants .