Subtracting yard work from rent?

Question

Hi i know its out there i just dont know the corrcect way of going about it. When we moved in there was excessive dead bushes in the backyard. I want to have them hauled off and subtract this from my rent. WOnt be more than $50 if i do it myself, that would only be for dump fees. But to i have any right to ask for this off of my next months rent? I have a 18m old who is now running around and i dont want him running in dead rose bushes.

Answer 1

You need to ask your landlord's permission before you remove any landscape (even in this case).  Tell him of your concerns and let him come look and see the dead rose bushes.  He may prefer that his landscape people do this or he may be very happy that you will do this and be happy to give you the money for the dump fees.

Answer 2

You can ask anything you want.

But you have no legal right to deduct money from your rent for maintaining the yard.

As a landlord I would say "no", but maybe yours will say yes.    Where I live the city would haul off the bushes, you jut have to get them into a pile on the street.

Hopefully these roses were dead before you moved in.   I would be really mad if my renter killed the landscape.  I am sueing one for 7k right now, for this same thing (killed the grass).     If you killed the roses do not be surprised if you are expected to plant new ones.

Answer 3

the correct way is simple, it is the landlords responsibility. he owns the property cos u are just renting. u should not be out of pocket. speak to him/her nicely and they should organise the job to be done for u; thats if your landlord is decent, i should know, i am a landlord, hope this helps

Answer 4

If it is a single family house and the lease states that you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the yard - it is your responsibility to take care of it without any deductions from the rent.

Otherwise, you need the landlord's written permission to deduct anything from the rent.

Answer 5

.   I attended a class given by the judge at the local Small Claims Court. He said that he wants you to come to his court and fill out a short form called a 10 day notice. He sends it to the landlord.  If the landlord does not clean the dead bushes, the judge will award you money for living in a dump and will terminate your lease if you want to go.

He said that he does not want you to remove the bushes and pay less than the full rent.  That makes him mad.  You didn't do what you were supposed to do.  

Answer 6

Ask your landlord.  He may come take care of it or go ahead and authorize you to do it and deduct your out of pocket expenses from the rent.  But you do need your landlord to agree.

Answer 7

It sounds like the work really needs to be done, but clear it with the landlord or his agent first. I'd also want it in writing.