The Importance of Inventories - Gardens & Outside Space
When dealing with property condition a lot of emphasis is placed on the interior of a property. However, outdoor areas — including gardens, driveways, patios, outbuildings, and fences — form an integral part of the property and should not be overlooked. The accurate recording of their condition through inventories and the ongoing property inspections are essential components of professional property management.
Under Section 11of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Landlords have a duty to maintain the structure and exterior of the dwelling, which includes boundary walls, pathways, and drainage. Furthermore, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires that properties — including external areas under the tenant’s use — are maintained in a condition that is free from hazards and conducive to healthy living.
How does Your Garden Grow?
After a year of being in Lockdown, outside space of kind became extremely important and very much sought after. A report by the Office of National Statistics showed that "the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its behavioural impacts (including many people working from home and spending more time at home in general) may have had some effect on people's preferences for properties, increasing the focus on space - including outdoor space - and reducing the focus on proximity to offices." But it is the fact that outside space regardless of whether it is a balcony, court yard or garden was clearly at the top of the wish list for many tenants.
Research by Rightmove found that the priorities for both buyers and renters had similar skews towards properties with bigger gardens or access to one, and properties that were generally bigger by measure of square footage.