City might fine renters for unraked leaves

As nature showcases its array of reds, yellows, oranges and browns, renters looking to avoid losing some of their hard-earned green should break out their leases and read the fine print.

According to the city of East Lansing, students who fail to rake their lawns could face fines of at least $185.

Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE) supervisor Eldon Evans said if renters choose to let leaves sit on their lawns indefinitely, there is a section in the city’s litter ordinance that allows PACE to issue a fine.

Although fines typically are levied against the property owner, if the owner provides a lease proving the tenants are responsible for lawn upkeep, the ticket will be reissued to the tenants, Evans said.

Hagan Realty property manager Brian Hagan said most landlords specify who is responsible for lawn upkeep in the lease.

“For most bigger landlords, the city requires specification of who is responsible for maintaining the lawn,” Hagan said. “If you make the tenant responsible, you also have to provide them tools — like a rake or snow shovel — to complete the task.”

Music education senior Alena Bernardi, who rents a house on Elizabeth Street, said she is unsure whether her lease requires tenants to provide lawn upkeep, but she has not raked the leaves on her lawn this year.

“It’s not something I stress out about right now,” Bernardi said.

According to the city of East Lansing’s Web site, “bulk leaf collection” times are available to remove yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings and plant material.

This week, and during the weeks of Nov. 9 and Nov. 23, collection on the west side of East Lansing will be available.

During the weeks of Nov. 2 and Nov. 16, collection of yard waste will be available on the east side.

Residents should be careful not to rake the leaves into the street because of potential sewer problems leaf-clogged drains can cause, East Lansing Director of Public Works Todd Sneathen said.

“(The proper place) to rake them is (on the strip of grass) between the sidewalk and the curb,” Sneathen said. “Then (the city) will come by (and)blow them out into the street and take them away.”

For a sustainable way of managing yard waste, students could consider creating a compost pile, said Becky Jo Farrington, environmental education manager of Urban Options, 405 Grove St.

“(Students) could start a backyard composting pile that would take care of food and yard waste,” Farrington said. “Creating one in the fall will let it ‘cook’ until the spring and residents will have good compost for vegetable or flower gardens.”