A well-kept garden can be a great asset in a rental property, attracting high-quality tenants and increasing appeal. But garden maintenance can also become a source of tension—and in some cases, a costly issue for both landlords and tenants.
According to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, garden-related issues consistently rank among the top five causes of end-of-tenancy tenancy disputes. So what causes garden disagreements, and how can landlords proactively prevent them?
Recent findings from Propertymark shed some light on why garden maintenance so often leads to conflict.
1. The Information Gap
Propertymark’s research reveals that 75% of landlords believe that garden maintenance is the tenant’s responsibility. However, nearly half admit they don’t provide any specific guidance or written clarification on what those responsibilities actually include. Instead, they rely solely on general clauses in the rental agreement.
While this may suffice in some cases, many tenants are either unaware of their duties or have not referred to their tenancy agreement in some time. This lack of clarity can lead to miscommunication and, eventually, a tenancy dispute.
2. Overlooking the Garden During Inspections
Another key issue is that many landlords fail to inspect gardens during routine property inspections, missing early warning signs of neglect. By the time the final inspection arrives, it may be too late to address problems without incurring extra costs or delays.
Regular mid-tenancy inspections, including a check of the outdoor areas, can help flag issues before they escalate.
How to Avoid Garden Disagreements in Rentals
To keep things straightforward and avoid unnecessary conflict, here are some practical tips for managing garden maintenance at your rental property:
- Design a low-maintenance outdoor space: Choose easy-care shrubs and plants that don’t require specialist knowledge or extensive upkeep. While some tenants enjoy gardening, many will appreciate a space that’s tidy but fuss-free. This is especially important when planning low-maintenance garden ideas for landlords.
- Define responsibilities clearly in the rental agreement: Include a clear clause in the tenancy agreement outlining which tasks fall to the tenant (e.g. lawn mowing, weeding, pruning) and which are the landlord’s responsibility (e.g. fence repairs, maintaining garden structures). This clarity helps prevent garden disputes in rentals.
- Use a detailed check-in inventory: Document the condition of the garden at the start of the tenancy. Use photos and written descriptions to create a baseline for comparison at check-out.
- Have an open discussion at the start of the tenancy: Outline your expectations regarding garden maintenance, including how often certain tasks should be done and what tenants need permission for (e.g. planting or landscaping changes). Remind tenants they must return the garden to its original state at the end of the tenancy.
- Be proactive during inspections: Always inspect the garden as part of your mid-term property inspections. Demonstrating that you take outdoor upkeep seriously will encourage tenants to do the same.
- Follow up before check-out: As the tenancy draws to a close, remind tenants what garden tasks need to be completed before moving out. This helps avoid last-minute issues and potential deductions from the deposit.
Managing Expectations
Ultimately, clear communication and consistent management are the best ways to reduce the risk of disputes over garden maintenance. By setting out expectations from the outset and taking your own responsibilities seriously, you create a more cooperative and positive rental experience for everyone involved.
If you’re a landlord seeking help managing your property or want guidance on creating a garden that tenants can manage with ease, contact us today to learn more about our property management services.
And if you know a landlord who would benefit from this advice, feel free to share this article with them.
*Source: Tenancy Deposit Scheme
This article does not constitute legal advice.
Important Links
Book a Valuation
Visit our Royston Facebook Page
Visit our Newmarket Facebook Page
View our Ware Facebook Page
