Garden Upkeep
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
As autumn is fast approaching, we are often asked who is responsible for garden upkeep and trimming of plants and bushes in rented properties.
As gardening is one of the top 5 deposit disputes between landlords and tenants it is best to have a clear understanding for both parties at the start of the tenancy.
At the start of the tenancy, the garden condition and any furniture provided, should be documented in the inventory and ideally with photographic evidence.
Each parties responsibilities should also be clearly delignated in the tenancy agreement.
Tenants are only responsible for routine garden maintenance. They are not responsible for non-routine maintenance such as hedge/tree cutting or fence painting.
Where a landlord provides garden tools, these should be in good working order with instruction manuals provided and are subject to routine PAT inspections.
Landlords are not obliged to pay for the garden waste bin, although it can be best practise to do so.
