Ensure everything stays rosy with your tenants by following these simple garden maintenance strategies.
A garden can be a great asset to a rental property – it helps attract quality tenants and can increase the property’s overall appeal.
But when it comes to maintaining the garden, things can quickly become thorny. In fact, garden maintenance is regularly listed among the top five causes of end-of-tenancy deposit disputes.*
So, what typically goes wrong – and how can Stockport landlords prevent garden disagreements?
New research from Propertymark offers some insight.
Two key causes of conflict:
1. The information gap
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Propertymark found that while 75% of landlords expect tenants to maintain the garden, half don’t provide clear instructions.
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Simply relying on what’s stated in the tenancy agreement isn’t always enough – tenants might not understand their duties or may not remember the details.
2. Skipping garden checks
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Many landlords overlook the garden during routine inspections, missing early signs of neglect.
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By the time the issue is discovered, it may be costly or too late to resolve amicably.
How to avoid garden disputes:
?? Keep the garden low-maintenance
Opt for easy-care plants and features. Most tenants aren’t professional gardeners, so avoid anything high maintenance unless your tenant specifically requests it.
?? Be clear in the tenancy agreement
Spell out who is responsible for what – for example:
– Tenant duties: Mowing, weeding, pruning.
– Landlord duties: Repairs to fences, decking, and structural elements.
?? Include the garden in the inventory
Add photos and written descriptions of the outdoor space at check-in so everyone’s on the same page.
?? Discuss expectations upfront
Talk through the garden maintenance responsibilities at the start of the tenancy – and remind tenants they need permission before making any changes.
?? Inspect the garden regularly
Don’t forget to include the garden in routine property checks. Early intervention is usually easier (and cheaper) than a dispute later on.
?? Be proactive at check-out
Remind tenants of their responsibilities before they move out to avoid end-of-tenancy surprises.
Need help managing your Stockport rental?
Contact us today to learn how we can help keep things blooming between you and your tenants.
*Source: Tenancy Deposit Scheme
This article does not constitute legal advice.
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