Can a Landlord Charge for Landscaping or Yard Work?

Landscaping deductions are common when a tenant had a yard. Whether they're valid depends on who was responsible under the lease and what the condition was at move-out.

When the charge can be legitimate

• Lease clearly assigns yard maintenance to tenant and condition was neglected
• Debris removal or lawn restoration was necessary beyond normal seasonal changes
• Invoice supports the specific work performed for the unit

Red flags

• No lease clause showing tenant responsibility
• Charging for seasonal cleanup that happens between tenants anyway
• No photos showing yard condition at move-out

What to ask for

• Lease clause assigning maintenance responsibility
• Photos of the yard at move-out and move-in for comparison
• Landscaper invoice with date, scope, and address

How to dispute

1. Confirm responsibility under the lease.
2. Request photos and vendor invoice with scope details.
3. Dispute charges that look like routine seasonal maintenance.

Start with the dispute template, then escalate to a demand letter if the landlord won't correct it.