Whose responsibility is it?

[Ms_Christina]

It was not meant to be snotty, just the truth. I had a similar situation happen to me and I did not have renters insurance. I can't go back and fix my mistakes but I can warn others as to what can happen.

[Koale]

Originally Posted by 5thgenSF

what a snotty answer.

Nothing snotty about this answer. In fact, I intend to call my insurance company this morning and see if our cars are covered under our Renters Policy should anything happen due to the horrible parking and relentless tree triming that goes on around our complex. So, actually, I am greatful for this particular response.
Koale

[5thgenSF]

Originally Posted by Koale

Nothing snotty about this answer. In fact, I intend to call my insurance company this morning and see if our cars are covered under our Renters Policy should anything happen due to the horrible parking and relentless tree triming that goes on around our complex. So, actually, I am greatful for this particular response.
Koale

renter's insurance covers the contents of the home. you'd have to look at your auto policy for coverage.

[tracywarda]

if there are dead trees and bushes in a house we rented and the owner wont respond to me can I remove them and hold back rent

[jaynarie]

Originally Posted by tracywarda

if there are dead trees and bushes in a house we rented and the owner wont respond to me can I remove them and hold back rent

Probably not.

Laws vary from state to state, but withholding rent is usually only acceptable when the issue is providing the unit from being habitable. Some dead bushes and trees have no bearing on habitability.

If you truly want to go this route, seek legal advice. There are rules (varies by state) on this type of thing. i.e. withheld rent needs to be deposited in a separate account, how you notify the landlord, etc...

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by tracywarda

if there are dead trees and bushes in a house we rented and the owner wont respond to me can I remove them and hold back rent

You cannot withhold rent for dead tree and bushes in your yard. However, if they are in the house, as you say they are, you might be able to. I can't imagine living with dead trees and bushes in my living room. Withholding rent isn't to be done willy nilly...it's usually done thru the courts, unless you and the landlord agree to it and of course you have it in writing.

Read your lease in regards to yard maintenance and who is responsible for what. If you're still not sure, call the landlord. If you can't reach the landlord by phone, send him a CRR letter asking him to contact you in regards to the trees and bushes. Don't assume it's you, don't assume it's him...get clarification first.

[JaneGrimm]

I had a large tree fall and total my car at a house I have been renting for 7 years. I do have renters insurance. Because it is a act of God, is the landlord responsible for the tree that has been dead for a long time, and am I able to put in a claim?

[Rabrrita]

Originally Posted by JaneGrimm

I had a large tree fall and total my car at a house I have been renting for 7 years. I do have renters insurance. Because it is a act of God, is the landlord responsible for the tree that has been dead for a long time, and am I able to put in a claim?

Varies by states, but first things first, can you show the landlord was aware the tree was dead and that you provided notice of the problem?

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Car damage is covered by your auto insurance. If all you have is the basic cheap liability, car damage is the responsibility of the car owner.

Patio furniture would be covered by the renter's insurance.

If the tree is diseased or dying and the landlord is aware of that fact, then it is the landlord's responsibility to remove it or else to accept liability for damage from dropping limbs. But normal limb drop from an otherwise healthy tree, no.

Maybe it is just me, but if I had a large tree that was known to drop sizable limbs, I wouldn't park my car under it.