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While typically associated with homes, lawns are much more in our wider communities and their benefits are fantastic – for lots of different aspects of our communities – regardless of whether your rental property is residential or commercial property.

Lawns are found in our parks, sporting fields, schools, day care centres and, more commonly, in commercial complexes. If you are weighing up the pros and cons of a new lawn at your commercial space – industrial space, retail space or even office complex – or residential property here are a few facts you might like to consider:

Business & Economic Improvement

Green space such as lawns can increase the value of a property by up to 20%

Properties with well-maintained lawns sell quicker and at higher values

They also increase tenant satisfaction and lower vacancy rates

Climate Control

Lawns serve as nature’s air conditioner

The turf on eight average sized front lawns has the cooling effect of 70 tonnes of air conditioning and that’s enough for 16 average homes

Erosion Control

Turf offers an efficient and inexpensive form of erosion control by intercepting rain before it disturbs the soil. It also promotes water percolation rather than runoff – reducing the loss of fertile soil and the amount of water and pollutants reaching storm water drains.

Filter

Grass traps smoke and dust particles from the air and works as a filter. This is particularly useful in urban areas where the dust from cars and trucks is trapped and washed down into the soil.

Environmental Benefits

Lawns capture and use greenhouse gases, counteracting climate change

Turf plants trap air pollution and generates much of our oxygen – a lawn only 15m x 15m will produce enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe for an entire year

It also acts as a barrier against chemicals entering the soil profile, while the natural shedding of turf stems and leaves, as well as mowing clippings, contribute valuable organic to the soil over the life of the lawn.

Social Benefits

A well-maintained lawn encourages outdoor exercise and relaxation. Even in commercial applications, a lawn will encourage people to spend time outside – taking lunch on the grass or participating in pre-work exercise training programmes, which provides inherent health and mental health benefits. Lawns promote the therapeutic benefits of green spaces – a proven technique for rehabilitation.

Injury Prevention

Turf helps to absorb physical impact and reduces injuries. It is safer than concrete, bare soil or artificial grass by providing both traction and cushioning benefits.

Rubbish Reducer

Garbage is less likely to be left behind or thrown on a well-maintained lawn.

Noise Reducer

Lawns can decrease noise by 8 -10 decibels, making it particularly important in urban and highly built up areas.

Upkeep of a Lawn in a Rental Property

If you go ahead and install a natural lawn at your rental property in Queensland, ensure it and its maintenance is included in the tenancy agreement. Typically, your tenants will be responsible for lawn maintenance such as weeding, edging and mowing but this matters should be specified in the agreement.

Here are a few facts you need to know:

  1. Special arrangement regarding the maintenance of the garden and lawn should be indicated in the tenancy agreement.
  2. Tree lopping and other major works are usually the responsibility of the landlord. It can be considered part of their repair and maintenance obligation. This is not done regularly and may require equipment or specialist knowledge.
  3. The tenancy agreement should specify whether the yard maintenance is covered by a contract between the landlord and an external company.
  4. The landlord or property manager cannot demand the tenant to enter into a maintenance contract with a particular company in addition to their rent or require them to hire a specific company for garden maintenance services. You may be best to increase the weekly rent by a small amount and include garden maintenance.
  5. The tenant is expected to return the property in the same condition as at the beginning of the tenancy (minus fair wear and tear) so it is important to specify the condition of the lawns and gardens on the Entry condition report (Form 1a) and take photos.

Lawn/garden maintenance is one of the leading causes of issues between landlords and tenants but it can be easily circumvented by ensuring everything in relation to the lawn and its upkeep is covered in your lease or tenancy agreement. Also, talk to your local turf supplier and have them provide suggestions for a low maintenance lawn option that would work best in the local area of your rental property.

A natural lawn at your commercial or residential rental property will ensure a nicer environment for your tenants and their guests as well as providing you with a property that is easier to rent and even eventually sell the property. That said, you need to make sure that the lawn is in good condition, especially when it is on the rental market.

You can learn some more here https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Renting/During-a-tenancy/Maintenance-and-repairs/Lawns-gardens-and-trees

Daley’s Turf can provide low maintenance turf suitable to high traffic commercial applications and rental properties. For more information, contact the team today.

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