Berkeley, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: I am renting a house (a country cottage) and I've been told I cannot remove the overgrown weeds from the front

I made the mistake of asking before doing it, and was told 'tenant shall perform no landscaping. I will probably do it anyway because it's ridiculous and I don't think I should have to live in overgrowth. Do they have any recourse if they see i have in fact done some well needed weeding to not live in a jungle?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Manuel Alzamora Juarez
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Berkeley, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Maybe you can call the zoning inspector and get his opinion. Tall grass could be a refuge for vermin, snakes and rodents. Maybe , just mow the grass without doing any landscaping. Good luck

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Take before and after photos of the entire area. If they make a stink, suggest you use the health/safety points raised by Mr. Juarez. Suggest also you advise LL that you intend to repair and deduct the cost of trimming the yard. LL is under an obligation to provide a "habitable premises" which means free from an infestation of vermin, bugs, rats, etc, which the overgrown yard would harbor.

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