Who Is Responsible for Landscaping: Landlord or Tenant?

Understanding who is responsible for landscaping—landlord or tenant—is one of the most common sources of confusion in rental agreements. When the lawn needs mowing, who should do it? If sprinklers break, who pays for repairs? A well-maintained yard enhances curb appeal, protects property value, and keeps tenants satisfied—but clarity on who handles the work prevents disputes and ensures consistent upkeep.

Key Takeaways

• The lease agreement determines landscaping responsibilities—always review it carefully
• Property type matters—single-family homes and multi-unit buildings follow different norms
• Nevada law requires landlords maintain safe outdoor conditions regardless of maintenance duties
• Clear expectations prevent conflicts and protect both parties
• Professional property management ensures compliance and quality maintenance

The Lease Agreement Is Your Guide

Your lease agreement should clearly define all landscaping responsibilities before any tenant moves in. Without explicit terms, misunderstandings quickly arise.

Common arrangements include:

• Tenant-maintained yards: Tenants handle routine tasks like mowing, watering, weeding, and trimming small shrubs
• Landlord-managed landscapes: Property owners or hired professionals handle all yard work and maintenance
• Shared responsibility: Tenants perform basic upkeep while landlords handle major projects

Your lease should specify:

• Who mows the lawn and how frequently
• Who waters plants and maintains irrigation systems
• Who removes weeds, fallen leaves, and debris
• Who handles seasonal tasks like pruning or winterization
• Who pays for landscaping supplies or professional services
• What happens if maintenance standards aren’t met

The more detailed your lease, the fewer problems you’ll encounter later.

Single-Family Homes vs. Multi-Unit Properties

Single-Family Homes

In most single-family rentals, tenants assume basic yard maintenance responsibilities. This typically includes:

• Regular lawn mowing and edging
• Watering grass, plants, and shrubs
• Removing weeds from flower beds
• Keeping walkways clear

Landlords usually remain responsible for:

• Major repairs like sprinkler system malfunctions
• Tree trimming or removal
• Landscape renovations or upgrades
• Pest control affecting outdoor spaces
• Providing necessary tools (if required by lease)

This arrangement works because tenants have exclusive use of the yard and direct control over its condition.

Multi-Unit Properties

For apartments, condos, and multi-family buildings, landlords or property managers typically handle all landscaping.

Landlord responsibilities include:

• Hiring and managing professional landscaping services
• Maintaining irrigation systems and outdoor lighting
• Ensuring walkways, patios, and courtyards remain safe
• Managing seasonal cleanup and decorative plantings
• Coordinating repairs and improvements

Professional landscaping for multi-unit properties maintains consistency, protects property value, and reduces liability risks.

Nevada Law and Safety Obligations

Landlord Safety Requirements

Even when tenants handle yard work, landlords must:

• Ensure walkways and outdoor areas remain hazard-free
• Maintain functional irrigation systems
• Address dangerous tree limbs or unstable structures
• Remove trip hazards like broken concrete or exposed roots
• Provide pest control when infestations affect habitability

If a tenant or guest is injured due to poor outdoor maintenance—even if the tenant was responsible for upkeep—landlords may face liability.

Tenant Responsibilities Under Nevada Law

• Perform maintenance tasks specified in the lease
• Avoid causing intentional damage to landscaping
• Report safety hazards or needed repairs promptly
• Allow landlord access for inspections and major maintenance

Failure to maintain the yard per lease terms can justify violations, deductions, or even eviction.

Common Landscaping Disputes and How to Avoid Them

Dispute 1: Unclear Expectations

Problem: Lease doesn’t specify who mows the lawn.
Solution: Write detailed maintenance schedules into every lease agreement.

Dispute 2: Neglected Maintenance

Problem: Tenant allows yard to become overgrown.
Solution: Include maintenance standards and conduct inspections.

Dispute 3: Cost Disagreements

Problem: Unexpected landscaping bills cause conflict.
Solution: Specify payment responsibility upfront.

Dispute 4: Repair Responsibility Confusion

Problem: Sprinklers break and both parties assume the other should fix them.
Solution: Define equipment maintenance clearly.

The Role of Professional Property Management

A qualified property management company eliminates landscaping confusion by:

• Drafting clear lease terms that define all maintenance responsibilities
• Coordinating professional vendors for consistent service
• Conducting regular inspections
• Managing maintenance requests and repairs efficiently
• Ensuring legal compliance with Nevada housing regulations
• Protecting property value through proactive care

The Brokerage handles every aspect of property maintenance—including landscaping coordination—so landlords and tenants experience smooth, dispute-free relationships.

Best Practices for Landlords

• Be explicit in lease agreements about every landscaping task
• Provide necessary tools if requiring tenant maintenance
• Conduct seasonal inspections
• Document yard condition at move-in and move-out
• Respond quickly to maintenance requests
• Consider professional services for high-value properties

Best Practices for Tenants

• Read your lease carefully and ask questions before signing
• Maintain the yard consistently
• Report problems immediately
• Document your maintenance efforts
• Request clarification when needed

Bottom Line

Landscaping responsibility depends on your lease agreement, property type, and local regulations. Clear communication from the start prevents conflicts and keeps properties looking their best.

Whether you’re a landlord seeking reliable maintenance management or a tenant wanting clarity on your responsibilities, professional guidance makes all the difference.

Partner with The Brokerage for Stress-Free Property Care

From landscaping coordination and maintenance management to full-service property oversight, The Brokerage ensures every detail of your Las Vegas rental is handled with professionalism and transparency.

Contact The Brokerage today for expert guidance on lease terms, maintenance standards, and maximizing your property’s appeal.
Visit TheBrokerage.Vegas or call (702) 476-6000 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do landlords have to mow the lawn in Las Vegas?

Not necessarily. It depends on the lease agreement.

Can tenants be charged for landscaping?

Yes, if the lease specifies it.

Who pays for sprinkler repairs?

Landlords usually pay for irrigation repairs.

What happens if a tenant doesn’t maintain the yard?

Landlords can issue violations, deduct costs, or charge tenants.

Are landlords responsible for tree removal?

Yes. Tree removal is typically a landlord responsibility.