UK Landlord Forum / Life

When I recently let a house, a lawnmower was present in the garden shed. A photograph (of it inside the shed) was taken but it was not explicitly mentioned in the inventory taken prior to the tenant moving in. The tenant has recently tried using the aforementioned lawnmower and discovered it had rusted. Admittedly I expected this as I have previously paid a local gardener to maintain the garden and he always bought his own tools. I purchased a new *manual* lawnmower - as electric and petrol carry potential liabilities which I do not wish to take - and had it delivered to the property.

The tenant has now complained that the lawnmower I purchased was not "good enough" to maintain the garden and is demanding a larger mower (I assume he expects an electric or petrol model) otherwise he will not maintain the garden.

I have only recently become a landlord (less than 3 months) so I would appreciate to know whether other landlords have experienced a similar situation and what their resolution was. I am also interested in what my legal obligations as - from my brief research - the law is a bit vague about it.

Thank for your time.

No,you don't have to supply a lawnmower.I used to do so for 3 studios with gardens,simply because the types of tenant would not be likely to get one themselves.I stopped a few years ago,and the agent agreed with me.The tenants kept leaving the grass to get too long,and breaking them.One cut through the cable.As it was not mentioned on the inventory in your case,I would strongly advise you to tell him "Like it or lump it". You would also have the expense of regular PAT tests.One of my tenants gets someone in,the others borrow mowers from relatives.

I have left electrical lawnmowers at properties before. I've also purchased a new strimmer for a property. For another, I paid a Gardener £100 per year for 8 cuts. All can work. The expense is allowable if that makes it more palatable. I used to, but now don't relish the idea of owning various things at properties beyond the normal white goods. It's perfectly OK to let the property with a neatly cut lawn and inform the Tenants it's their responsibility to hand it back to you in the same condition... whether they maintain it in the meantime is entirely their decision (not yours)... without you providing any tools to do so.

Remember... this is a people business, not bricks and mortar, therefore it's harmonious relationships between nasty Landlord and abused Tenant that we all seek.

Also... why worry about The Law? Just do what you can to enforce your will on the weak.

Hmm.

Quote from: zorz on May 18, 2018, 11:42:36 AMThe tenant has now complained that the lawnmower I purchased was not "good enough" to maintain the garden and is demanding a larger mower (I assume he expects an electric or petrol model) otherwise he will not maintain the garden.

Get the Tenant a ride on. They're not as expensive as you think... https://www.screwfix.com/p/mcculloch-9-60210032e8-77cm-344cc-ride-on-mower/8062v ...this is a manual, though. 

A ride on? Are you serious?  Why not a Jacuzi  and a hot tub,and perhaps weekly aromatherapy facials.Can I be one of your tenants please?

Quote from: heavykarma on May 18, 2018, 03:03:27 PMWhy not a Jacuzi  and a hot tub....

Well, if they're already in the house I'd not ban the Tenants from using them.

Thank you for your useful (and amusing) replies.

Well I have decided to purchase a better lawnmower, not in so much I care about what the current tenant wants but it is in my best interest that house is kept as presentable as possible... there will be other tenants in the future.

Does anyone have a disclaimer template for electrical items not on the inventory? Basically a document to indemnify me from anything the tenant may inadvertently do? If he goes through the cord or short-circuits anything, I want any replacement or repairs to come out of his pocket, not mine (or my insurers).

I was told very recently by an E. H.official  that anything electrical that you leave (a heater of my own, in this case) must be PAT tested,and non- inclusion on the inventory is no defence.There is no signed disclaimer that will stand up, in the event of an accident.I promise you,lawnmowers and tenants= trouble.

Dont do it. As a minimum you are liable for PAT testing.