How Kent Landlords
Can Nip Garden Disputes in the Bud

In
this three-minute read, we look at who is responsible for maintaining the
garden at a rental property.

The
most significant property trend to emerge from the pandemic has been the surge
in demand – from buyers and renters – for properties with gardens.

The
race for space is undoubtedly good news for landlords marketing properties with
a garden, balcony, or courtyard.

And
it’s not just easier to rent out a property with a garden; it’s more lucrative,
too. New research shows renters are willing to pay on average 25% more for a
home with a garden*.

But
letting a garden property isn’t always a bed of roses (see what we did there?);
almost a quarter of all deposit disputes are over garden maintenance**.

Often,
the cause of tension is confusion over who is responsible for what when it
comes to maintaining outdoor spaces.

This
all should be spelled out in the contract, but generally speaking, the tenant
should keep the garden in good condition and return it in the same state it was
in at the start of the tenancy. Jobs that fall under the tenant’s remit include
weeding, watering, and removing litter.

The
landlord is responsible for tasks that require expertise, such as lopping off
tree branches, fixing broken fences, and any other structural work.

Here
are a few ways landlords can safeguard themselves from getting dragged into a
garden dispute.

1)
Lay the groundwork

Ensure that the garden is in good
condition before you rent out the property. Plant low maintenance shrubs, sort
out uneven paving stones, and get rid of that rickety old shed.

2)
Outline responsibilities

Explain (in person and in writing)
what you expect from the tenant and what they can expect from you.

3)
Keep records

Often landlords diligently record the
condition of the fixtures and fittings of the property’s interior but make
little or no mention of the exterior. Check-in and check-out reports should
detail the condition of the garden with photographs and descriptions.

4)
Regular inspections

When you carry out a property
inspection during a tenancy, don’t forget to look at the garden. Document its
condition (photographs are a must), and if any issues are apparent, ask the
tenant to rectify them.

5)
Be flexible

A tenant is not allowed to make changes
to the garden without the landlord’s permission. But if they ask to plant a
veggie patch or add some more plants, be flexible. If your tenant is reliable
and responsible, allowing them to create the garden of their dreams will
encourage them to stay long term. Always clarify any agreed changes in writing
beforehand.

If
you have any questions about tenant/landlord responsibilities, get in touch
with us here at Kent.

*Analysis
carried out by Paving Direct, based on the average price of renting a three-bed
home in cities across the country on Rightmove. Read the full report:https://bit.ly/3gyOJEj

**
Data from The Dispute Service. Figures cover the year up to March 2020.