QLD Grass been Killed

Not a biggie, but curious about thoughts. Tenant has put down a large area of fake grass which has killed the grass underneath (who knows why). They are moving out soon.

Would you:

a) Ask them make good before leaving (time to sow seed if they want the cheap option)
b) Turf those areas from bond money after exit
c) Don't worry about the great big dirty dirt patch

 

1. Ask tenants to pay cost of repair (supply quote to substantiate ask - and yes, lawn is expensive when you add up all that's involved)
2. If they don't agree, begin dispute resolution via bond claim channel with RTA
3. If conciliation unsuccessful proceed to QCAT to seek compensation based of quote to remedy
*assuming you have an entry/exit report that will hold weight

I did a claim for lawn repair in QCAT and I was successful, the Tenants' dog damaged the lawn:

 

Get tenant to leave the artificial grass as is. Or he should turf it.

Otherwise it will look too untidy for the new tenants. Mud everywhere etc

 

It's gonna cost a motza to replace all that grass

 

We got some turf laid recently. Cost was $160-$250 for the turf only for 30sqm depending on type of grass. This area is about half that, so not hugely expensive, but either seed or turf will need watering 2 x daily for a number of weeks. New tenants won't appreciate that job. This is the difficulty with ruined lawn when the culprits won't be around to tend to the replacement.

 

wow that's CHEAP
Sir Walter Buffalo is $16 a sqm in Syd to buy, let alone laid

As per @Michael Mitchell post
I'd want it fixed also (it is part of the property, and as such no different to a damaged wall).

 

Yep! If you don't get it fixed, you'll have to pay for it yourself.

 

Its pretty hard to permanently kill grass.

Suggest you instruct the tenants to remove the fake grass NOW and keep the area well watered.

 

Turf them

 

Yes, and with current weather pattern, it'll probably come back now.
I had a tenant do the same thing but it was not high on the list of their 'renovations' that I had to deal with.

 

I'd advise tenants now that they need to return grass to original condition at the end of their tenancy. If they use seeds make sure its the same type. They can leave a sprinkler on a timer to help with watering if needed. Otherwise you'd have to get someone to replace it and claim it front bond.

 

Grass has only been around for 55 million years. The major plant before the grasses was ferns. I would keep the fake grass.

 

^ This ^

Warn them ahead of time to do it NOW. If they don't, you'll be paying for someone to lay it and then visit to water it- much more expensive for them.

And don't let them try to tell you artificial grass is an "upgrade", which they almost certainly will.

 

Are you sure the grass wasn't ruined before they laid the fake turf? A couple I know laid fake grass over a ruined area of grass in their rental as it was muddy just before the back entrance.

Do you have the proof the grass wasn't ruined in your report before the tenant moved in?

 

The grass was fine before, and yes we have proof.

 

Personally i find the idea that damaged grass can be damaged and recouped from a tenant a little absurd.

It is summer at the moment, and my grass is getting burnt out whatever i do. Also if this is an investment property - how do you expect a tenant to spend the time watering the grass and maintaining it? Also do you really expect a tenant to pay for the more usage from a sprinkler.

If i was renting out a property i wouldnt be expecting the grass to be maintained. Would be happy if they mowed it before it got above the shoulders.

 

When the wrecked grass stops you re-leasing it because people want a grassed yard and they rent the property next door where the grass is greener on the other side, and then it costs you money out of your pocket to fix, would you change your opinion?

 

Exactly! It's one thing if the weather is poor & people aren't watering their lawns, but totally another if there's NO grass because of something that the tenant has done.