A well-maintained garden is an important part of any rented property. In the UK, tenants are generally expected to look after the garden throughout their tenancy and return it in a similar condition to when they moved in, allowing for seasonal changes and fair wear and tear. Failing to maintain a garden can result in disputes at the end of the tenancy and, in some cases, deductions from the tenancy deposit.
A Tenant’s Responsibility
Unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise, tenants are usually responsible for carrying out routine garden maintenance during their tenancy. This is not simply an end-of-tenancy obligation—it is an ongoing responsibility.
Typical maintenance includes:
- Mowing the lawn regularly.
- Keeping weeds under control.
- Trimming hedges and shrubs where it is safe to do so.
- Watering plants where appropriate.
- Sweeping leaves and keeping paths and patios clear.
- Removing garden waste.
- Preventing the garden from becoming overgrown.
Regular upkeep is much easier than allowing a garden to deteriorate and attempting to restore it just before moving out.
Returning the Garden at the End of the Tenancy
At the end of a tenancy, the garden should normally be returned in substantially the same condition as it was at the beginning of the tenancy, taking into account:
- Seasonal differences (for example, lawns may not look the same in winter as they do in summer).
- Natural plant growth.
- Fair wear and tear.
The garden should be:
- Lawns freshly mown.
- Borders reasonably weed-free.
- Hedges trimmed where appropriate.
- Patios and paths swept and tidy.
- Rubbish and garden waste removed.
- Garden furniture belonging to the landlord left clean and in place.
- Any alterations agreed with the landlord restored if required.
What Happens if the Garden Has Been Neglected?
An overgrown garden can require significant work to restore. If the tenant has failed to carry out routine maintenance during the tenancy, the landlord may seek to recover the reasonable cost of returning the garden to its original condition through the tenancy deposit, provided this is supported by evidence such as:
- A detailed inventory at check-in.
- Check-out photographs.
- Garden inspection reports.
- Invoices or quotations for remedial work.
Examples of neglect include:
- Grass left excessively long.
- Weeds overtaking borders and patios.
- Hedges left untrimmed for extended periods.
- Large amounts of garden waste left behind.
- Dead plants caused by lack of reasonable care.
- Accumulated rubbish in the garden.
The Importance of the Inventory
A thorough inventory with clear photographs is invaluable. It provides an objective record of the garden’s condition at the start of the tenancy and helps avoid disagreements when the tenancy ends.
Both landlords and tenants benefit from:
- Dated photographs.
- Written descriptions.
- Mid-tenancy inspections where appropriate.
- A final check-out comparison.
Practical Tips for Tenants
Maintaining a garden need not be difficult if small tasks are completed regularly.
A simple routine might include:
- Mowing every two to three weeks during the growing season.
- Removing weeds monthly.
- Sweeping patios regularly.
- Trimming hedges once or twice each year (if this is the tenant’s responsibility).
- Disposing of garden waste correctly.
Keeping on top of these jobs throughout the tenancy helps ensure the garden remains attractive and avoids a large amount of work when moving out.
Conclusion
Garden maintenance is an important part of renting many homes in the UK. Tenants should maintain the garden throughout the tenancy, not simply tidy it before they leave. Regular mowing, weeding, trimming and general upkeep help preserve the property’s appearance and can prevent disputes over deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.
Returning the garden in a neat, tidy and reasonably well-maintained condition—consistent with its condition at the start of the tenancy—is part of meeting the obligations of a responsible tenant. Good communication, a clear tenancy agreement and comprehensive inventories all help ensure a smooth end to the tenancy for both landlords and tenants.
Written by Sally Carter
