A lawn contract is an agreement between a homeowner and a lawn care service provider. Before hiring a lawn care service company, it is vital to prepare a lawn agreement to solidify the expectations of both parties.

How to Write a Contract for Lawn Care Service

A well-drafted contract can set forth the duties and obligations of both parties, guarantee that your customer will pay for your services, and protect you in the event of any disputes. While preparing a lawn-care service contract is easy, it can help prevent big problems in the future.

Include the Essentials

The contract must state your name, the business name, the customer's name, and the customer's address as well as the date. Also, ensure that the agreement contains information regarding your business license and bonding. List the duration of the service, including the start and end date, as well as the frequency of service. The contract should also state whether an assistant would be involved in the work.

Cost of Service

The contract should provide details about the cost of each lawn service and the consequences for defaulting. For instance, the document can state, "Customer shall pay for services by the last Friday of each month. If the customer fails to pay after a grace period of ten days, lawn service shall stop until all outstanding payments are received.”

Additionally, state the implication of not fulfilling your part of the bargain, such as, "If the contractor is unable to discharge his duties according to the contract terms, he will set another date convenient with the property owner and provide a 10 percent discount.”

If you intend to provide additional services such as dog waste removal, make sure the contract covers the cost of the extra service.

List Potential Ambiguous Issues

The agreement should outline the party that will handle the repair of damaged fencing or irrigation systems. If chemicals will be used for the lawn service, the contract should state clearly the party that will buy and apply the chemicals to avoid contract ambiguity.

Steps to Writing a Statement of Work in a Lawn Care Contract

  • Give a clear definition of the services you will provide. List the services you intend to deliver, such as grass cutting, weed management, cleanup, irrigation, pest control, and others. Make sure the client understands the services you are providing.
  • Additionally, be sure to map out every part of the property that requires service. It is crucial for the client to state any area they do not want you to touch. You can use a tabulated form to assist the client in choosing their preferred area of service. The client should also make arrangements for access to all the service areas.
  • If there are areas in need of occasional service, charge the client based on each service. A notice requirement can help prevent confusion. If there is urgent work needed on the property, you can contact the client by call or notice/letter informing them of your intention to come and fix the problem the following day. You can state in the contract that any work over $50 requires written consent from the client.
  • Define maintenance. While a lawn service usually provides regular maintenance services, "regular" can have broad interpretations. It is vital to define the word "regular" to avoid any confusion in the future.
  • Discuss pricing. Your services can use a variety of pricing formulas. You can price per cut or charge weekly, bi-weekly, as needed, or even yearly rate. Do not forget your cancellation policy. Your client will probably require a written confirmation if the contract is renewed automatically.
  • Most clients require a minimum of 30 days' notice before contract renewal. It is also advisable to send a monthly invoice to your client, even after agreeing to a price. Sending an invoice lets them know the time left to pay for your service before the grace period expires.
  • You also need to decide on how to receive payment. Do you want cash, check, or credit card? The type of payment method may depend on the frequency, type, and nature of service. If you offer auto billing, be sure the client understands how the process works, as well as how to seek redress when disputes arise. Furthermore, set forth a procedure for a refund if you overbilled the client. If the client fails to pay, you can either apply a late payment penalty or terminate the contract, depending on the nature of the dispute.

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