Write to your Tenant about Responsibility for the Garden

Is Garden Maintenance a Landlord or Tenant Responsibility?

The tenant is generally responsible for maintaining the garden. This includes tasks such as mowing the lawn, weeding, pruning and generally keeping the space tidy. The legal responsibility for garden maintenance usually falls on the tenant, unless it is stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.

Get your Professional Letter to a tenant about their obligation to maintain the Garden HERE

It is important to maintain the garden as it can impact both the appearance of the property and its value. If a tenant does not keep up with garden maintenance, it could result in damages that will be deducted from their deposit at the end of the tenancy. In extreme cases, a tenant may be evicted if they refuse to take care of the garden.

If you are a tenant and are unsure about your responsibilities regarding garden maintenance, it is best to check your tenancy agreement or get in touch with your landlord.

It is important to maintain the garden as it can impact both the appearance of the property and its value. If a tenant does not keep up with garden maintenance, it could result in damages that will be deducted from their deposit at the end of the tenancy. In extreme cases, a tenant may be evicted if they refuse to take care of the garden.

What do Tenancy agreements usually say about gardens?

These vary from property to property, so it is always best to check your agreement or ask your landlord directly about your responsibilities. In some cases, the tenant may be responsible for all garden maintenance, while in others the landlord may take care of it themselves or hire a professional gardener. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and assume that you are responsible for garden maintenance unless otherwise stated.

Get your Professional Letter to a tenant about their obligation to maintain the Garden HERE

Example clause from a tenacy agreement about garden maintenance

"The tenant shall keep the gardens and grounds of the property in a neat and tidy condition and shall cut the grass at regular intervals and as may be reasonably necessary."

What Happens if the Tenant does not maintain the garden?

If a tenant does not keep up with garden maintenance, it could result in damages that will be deducted from their deposit at the end of the tenancy. In extreme cases, a tenant may be evicted if they refuse to take care of the garden.

Get your Professional Letter to a tenant about their obligation to maintain the Garden HERE

Protecting Yourself Against Garden Disputes

To have an accurate inventory report, include the current condition of the garden in detail and date clear photographs. Have the tenant sign during check-in and checkout to say they agree with its accuracy. For best results, use an independent inventory company.

Make sure to include the garden in your property inspection routine. Check the lawn and other areas that tenants often neglect for signs of damage, such as bald patches or deep craters. If you see any issues, tell the tenant right away and ask them to take care of it as soon as possible.

As a tenant, you may be responsible for maintaining the garden as part of your tenancy agreement. This means that you may have to mow the lawn, trim the hedges and generally keep the space tidy. Failure to do so could result in your landlord taking action against you.

Get your Professional Letter to a tenant about their obligation to maintain the Garden HERE

Why does this matter?

Well, if you're renting a property then it's important to stick to the terms of your tenancy agreement. Not doing so could result in your landlord taking legal action against you. Additionally, keeping on top of the garden can help to keep your home looking nice and presentable.

What happens if you refuse to maintain the garden? In most cases, your landlord will take action against you. This could involve them serving you with a notice or, in extreme cases, taking you to court. If you're taken to court and found to be in breach of your tenancy agreement, you could be ordered to pay damages or even be evicted from the property.