The yard of our rental needs some TLC. From what I can tell, little of it was mowed last summer and the leaves were not raked. We aren't talking impenetrable overgrown brambles or anything, but the long dead grass and rotting dead leaves are matted on the ground now the snow has melted. I'm thinking I should rake everything, then mow on the first dry day we have? Is there a better way? Please give me a step-by-step plan of action for clearing up this mess in time for the little baby grass shoots to thrive! Assume I am new to caring for lawns, but generally handy with my hands and with plants.