Q: Tree removal from rental house
Tree was damaged from ice storm. Split from 10' above ground to ground. Afraid it would fall threw bedroom roof. Told Management and they sent me phone # to get estimate. The estimate stated it was urgent that the tree needed to be removed ASAP to prevent other structural damage to property. Gave estimate to landlord for $1200 removal of tree. Two days later sent a text stating the tree removal company would take down the tree as soon as they got the check for $1200. Week goes by and nothing done about it. Communication seemed to be going nowhere. Take two days of my time and fall and remove the tree myself so i could sleep at night without fear of the tree falling on top of bedroom. Can I be compensated for my time and work
A: You obviously were concerned about your safety. Nevertheless you had no right to remove the tree - that was the landlord's right - and obligation - not yours or your decision to make. If you believed the tree posed a serious risk, you could\should have have requested the City to inspect and if warranted ordered it removed. If they believed it to be an imminent safety hazard they would have ordered you moved out and housed elsewhere at the landlord's expense. Regardless you exceeded your authority and are not likely to get paid for doing it. If anything had gone wrong, such as the tree causing damage when being brought down, you likely would have been liable for the damages.
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