How does Your Garden Grow?

With the Chelsea Flower show having come to an end, the inspiration garnered from seeing the displays and gardens can be applied to anyone’s garden, window box, allotment or balcony. Even the simplest of tips and gardening hints can be useful to make a garden attractive, whether it is a simple water feature or a novel way of growing vegetables and fruit.

But what would landlords pay attention to when renting out a property with a garden or outside space? Before the tenancy begins, the letting agent should advise the landlrod that the garden or any other outside space must be left in a tidy and presentable condition.

It is important that the inventory clearly documents the condition fo the garden with photographic evidence. The tenancy agreement will outline the rgeposinibilities of both landlord and tenant when it comes to tending and caring from the garden. The tenant is responsible for any day-to-day tasks such as mowing the lawn, weeding, keeping paths clean, taking care of shrubs, plants and bushes which are easy to trim. If there are any special instructions, these must be made clear and detailed in writing; in this case the landlord should provide the necessary tools or equipment.

Under S11 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, the landlord is responsible for fencing, walls and gates and therefore, the tenant must ensure that any maintenance or repairing issue is reported to the landlord or the landlord’s agent in writing.

Trees

Avoiding Disputes

Disputes often arrive because the tenant has failed to ahere to the terms of the contract and the landlord has not been clear from the outset of exactly what is required. Regular property visits will help address any issues that the tenant may have and provides the landlord with the opportunity to address any points that raise concern. Landlords find it challenging when tenants fail to address very simple things like weeding and ensuring the lawn has been mown. Tenants should also pay particular attention to outshouses and greenhouses that they would have used. It is important to note that the garden is the equivalent of a room, it just happens to be outside.