Backyard lawn care laws. (apartment, renting, house)

[Codered741]

Hi all,

New to the forum, and i am trying to find out if there are any laws regarding the care of backyards. I am currently renting a house whose basement has been converted into an apartment. The front yard is my responsibility, and the back yard is the responsibility of the apartment renter. The apartment has been vacant for a almost a year, and the backyard has gone un-mowed, and there are vines, and bushes overgrowing the fences, and generally looks like garbage. In addition, as i found out while my neighbor was clearing part of the fence, was that a large number of branches, bricks, leaves, grass clippings and other garbage has been piled in the corners of the fence.
I am just wondering if there are any laws regarding piling garbage in backyards, and if there is anyone that i can call to get him to do something about it. I get a letter in the mail if i don't mow the front yard for a week or two, but the back had gone for 5-6 months. I would confront the landlord directly, but he is a real flake, and i have already asked him to do a lot around the house, and would like to avoid conflict.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Catrick]

I would contact the city you live in and inquire about their code enforcement rules.