The relevance of a well-written lawn service contract is obvious. The contract will outline the responsibilities of both parties: the lawn care company and the lawn care customer (such as services, prices, etc.). It will also delineate other pertinent information such as timelines and schedules. In this sue-happy world that we live in, doing business without
a contract is asking for a lot of trouble, because a contract not only protects the customer, but also protects the company from any possible misunderstandings resulting from verbal mis-communications.
However, in order for a contract to protect both parties involved, it must include a number of important elements. Depending upon a lawn care business’ particular needs, the following list may not include everything necessary so this list should not be assumed to be all-inclusive. As always, it is a wise move to consult with an attorney whenever drafting any legal documents. However, the following guidelines can indeed be used as a reasonable starting point for your lawn care contract needs.
Every lawn care contract must include the date that the contract is issued, as well as the address of the property where the lawn care services will be performed. Indeed, as many details as possible should be included about the specific services to be performed. For example, if mowing and fertilizing is to be performed, be sure to add in the contract the type of fertilizer used. Always include in the contract the agreed-upon frequency of the services to be performed, such as biweekly or monthly, for example. The exact payment terms need to also be outlined in the contract, whether payment will be made on the
date that services are rendered or whether payment will be mailed on a monthly basis to the company. Obviously, both the company representative and customer must have their names and signatures on the contract in order for it to be considered fully executed and valid. The contract should include the company’s contact information (such as address, phone number, e-mail, etc.) and the customer’s contact information (such as phone numbers, e-mail, etc.).
If your lawn care customer is a private residence, then it may be possible to generate your own lawn care contract successfully and use it to protect your interests. However, if your lawn care customer is a large, commercial property, then it is advisable to consult an attorney to draft an official contract that will be more inclusive and more protective of your interests. Keep in mind that if you are preparing your own contract(s), include your company logo and business contact information at the top of the contract to make it look professional.
Running a successful lawn care business is an exciting endeavor, but in order to protect the interests of your business, you should use contracts with all of your customers to clearly outline expectations, costs and timelines. Whether you generate your own contracts or hire an attorney to help, make sure your contracts are specific to the lawn service being performed so that the interests of both parties are protected.
