Is It Okay for a Landlord to Ask Renters to Remove Leaves in the Backyard?

Recently, I received a message from a reader asking if it is acceptable for a landlord to request that the tenant remove a leaf from her large backyard. This sparked a conversation about tenant responsibilities, landlord expectations, and the bridge between personal preferences and practical realities.

Understanding the Landlord’s Perspective

The question posed by the reader reflects a common issue faced by many tenants: when a landlord starts requesting specific tasks that go beyond standard maintenance responsibilities. In this case, the landlord has asked the tenant to remove a single leaf. While this may seem trivial, the underlying issue is that landlords often expect tenants to maintain the property in a way that aligns with their standards, which can sometimes be unreasonable or go beyond what is typically expected.

Responsibilities and Limits of Tenant Obligations

Many rental agreements specify that tenants are responsible for maintaining the interior of the property, which includes ensuring that common areas are clean and presentable. However, when it comes to the exterior, particularly the backyard, the responsibilities are often less clear. Landlords generally expect tenants to keep the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness and maintenance, but specific tasks like picking up individual leaves can be subjective and often go beyond the typical scope of tenant responsibilities.

Legal Considerations: From a legal standpoint, a court would be unlikely to evict a tenant for not picking up a single leaf. Tenants have the right to a habitable living environment, but landlords cannot impose unreasonable requests. Disputes over such minor issues can be elevated to court, but if the tenant can show that they have been performing their duties reasonably, the landlord's request is likely to be deemed unreasonable.

Documenting Your Efforts

To protect yourself, especially in the case of a legal dispute, it is important to document your efforts to maintain the property. Take photos or videos of the yard to show the landlord that you are keeping it in good condition. If the landlord is still unhappy, you can provide evidence of your ongoing efforts. This documentation can be crucial if the landlord attempts to enforce unreasonable requests legally.

Clarifying the Landlord’s Request

It is a good idea to write a letter to the landlord, requesting clarification on why they expect the tenant to pick up a single leaf. This letter should be certified, meaning that the landlord cannot deny having received it. By doing so, you can ensure that the landlord’s expectations are clear and that you have a record of your communication.

Considering Broader Implications

While the leaf removal request may seem insignificant, it can be a larger issue if it sets a precedent for the landlord to impose unreasonable requests in the future. If you regularly encounter issues like this, it may be worth discussing with the landlord about setting more reasonable expectations. If the landlord insists on raising the rent or imposing excessive maintenance requirements, it is important to consider whether the arrangement is fair and whether the tenant is being treated fairly.

Conclusion

Landlords have the right to request basic maintenance and cleanliness, but individual tasks like picking up a single leaf fall outside the typical scope of such requests. Understanding your rights as a tenant and documenting your efforts can help prevent conflicts and ensure that both tenants and landlords maintain a harmonious living environment. If you find a recurring issue, it's important to clearly communicate your stance and seek resolution in a fair and reasonable manner.