questions & answers

Question: Two of my rental properties have stopped watering their lawns, so now all grass is gone. I pay for landscaping when my tenants water or there are weeds, but no need lately with no grass or weeds. My concern, though, is that both homes have large queen palms, that are dying or dead from no watering, I believe. If lack of watering kills the palms, can I charge the renter for the removal? Thank you.

Answer: Where the law is silent (as in this situation) the specific legal rights and responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant are governed by the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. So the answer to the question will depend upon whether or not the tenant agreed to being responsible for maintaining the palm trees. If they did not, then the landlord can always request an amendment whereby the tenant agrees to look after the trees in exchange for some new consideration (so both parties benefit).