🌿 Tenant Responsibilities for Lawn and Garden Care – Saki Corporation

Summary:
If your rental home includes a private yard, garden, or green space, you are responsible for keeping it clean, safe, and well-maintained throughout your tenancy.
In Japan, garden and lawn care are generally considered part of the tenant’s minor maintenance duties unless otherwise stated in your lease agreement.
(HRC Japan – Garden Maintenance in Japan for Renters )

🧾 1. Understanding Your Responsibilities

Under Japanese rental practice, minor maintenance such as weeding, watering, and basic garden upkeep is the tenant’s duty, while major work like large tree cutting is usually the landlord’s duty.
(HRC Japan – Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities in Japan )
Check your lease terms for specific garden-related clauses — they may specify who maintains which areas.
Even if your lease does not specifically mention it, tenants are expected to keep the garden tidy, free of overgrowth, and hazard-free.

💡 Tip: Regular garden care helps prevent pest issues, property damage, and move-out cleaning charges.

✂️ 2. Routine Lawn & Weed Care

In Japan’s subtropical regions (like Okinawa), lawn growth and weeds spread quickly during the rainy season.
To maintain your property:

Mow or trim the lawn regularly (about once or twice per month in warm seasons).
Remove weeds from garden beds, paved areas, and fence lines.
Do not use herbicides or chemical weed killers unless approved by Saki Corporation — some products can damage nearby plants or soil.
Dispose of yard waste properly (see section below).

🌱 Seasonal Tip: The best times to trim and weed are early summer (June/July), early autumn (September/October), and winter cleanup (November/December).
(HRC Japan – Garden Maintenance in Japan for Renters )

🗑️ 3. Yard Clippings and Waste Disposal

When you trim or clean the garden, please handle grass clippings, branches, and leaves properly.

Each municipality in Japan has its own rules for yard waste disposal.
In some areas, small amounts can be disposed of on regular burnable trash days, while larger bundles or heavy bags are classified as “bulk trash (粗大ごみ / sodai gomi)”.
If it is considered bulk trash, you can contact us to request pickup or hire a contractor yourself to arrange proper removal.

⚠️ Important: Leaving garden waste in bags outside or mixing it with regular trash may result in fines or uncollected garbage.

🌳 4. Plant and Tree Maintenance

Trim bushes and small trees to prevent overgrowth touching walls, roofs, or neighboring fences.
Remove fallen leaves, branches, and fruit regularly to avoid clogging drains and attracting insects.
Do not remove large trees or roots without prior approval — major landscaping requires owner consent.
Do not dump soil or debris into drains or vacant lots.

💡 Basic garden trimming is part of your tenant responsibility, while heavy pruning or tree cutting must be coordinated through Saki Corporation or a licensed contractor.

💧 5. Watering and Seasonal Care

Proper watering is essential in maintaining the garden’s health.

Water regularly during dry or hot months (May–September).
Avoid overwatering that can flood yards or neighboring areas.
During rainy or typhoon season, ensure drains, gutters, and yard slopes are clear of debris.
Before long absences or deployment, assign someone to check and water plants occasionally.

⚠️ Neglected gardens can cause damage or mold buildup and may result in repair charges at move-out.

🧰 6. Professional Garden or Lawn Service

If you are unable to maintain your garden yourself, you have two options:

Option 1: Request Service from Saki Corporation

You can request a paid garden or lawn maintenance service through our office.

💡 Regular service can be arranged monthly or seasonally depending on your property.

Option 2: Hire a Contractor on Your Own

You may also choose to hire a licensed external contractor at your own expense.

When doing so:

Ensure they are insured and qualified to perform yard work.
Avoid scheduling without notice if heavy machinery or trimming near building walls is involved.
You remain responsible for any damage or disposal caused by the contractor.

⚠️ Please inform Saki Corporation in advance if you plan to use your own contractor to ensure access and coordination with the property owner.

🚫 7. Common Violations and Consequences

Please avoid the following:

Allowing weeds, grass, or trees to overgrow
Burning yard waste (prohibited in most areas)
Dumping garden waste in common or public spaces
Leaving the yard unmaintained during long absences
Making major changes without approval (e.g., removing or planting trees)

⚠️ If neglected, the property owner may request cleaning at your cost or charge a restoration fee during your tenancy or at move-out.