Garden Care for Rented Properties: Landlord and Tenant Guide
Who is responsible for the garden in a rented home, what a gardener can do between tenancies, and how to keep outdoor space presentable and fair.
Gardens in rented homes cause more friction than almost any other part of a tenancy. Expectations differ, agreements are vague, and a few overgrown months can turn into a disagreement over the deposit. Being clear early on makes life easier for everyone.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your tenancy agreement is the first place to look.
Who is responsible?
There is no single rule. In many tenancies:
- The tenant is expected to keep the garden reasonably tidy, which usually means mowing, light weeding and keeping paths clear.
- The landlord is responsible for larger items such as trees, boundary structures, sheds and drainage.
The tenancy agreement may say more, for example requiring regular mowing or prohibiting removal of plants. If the document is silent, aim for a sensible shared understanding and put it in writing, even as a short email.
What tenants should do
- Read the agreement for garden clauses.
- Take dated photographs of the garden at move-in, so condition is documented.
- Keep the lawn cut in the growing season and weed paths and patios.
- Avoid major changes such as removing trees, building structures or replacing the lawn without permission.
- Dispose of waste properly rather than leaving piles for the end of the tenancy.
- Report issues such as fallen branches, rotten fencing or pest problems to the landlord.
If you cannot keep up, a monthly gardener visit during the growing season can be an affordable solution. See regular gardener vs one-off tidy.
What landlords should do
- State expectations clearly in the tenancy agreement or an inventory, with photographs.
- Provide basic equipment if you expect the tenant to mow, or make the garden low maintenance.
- Deal with structural elements, trees and fencing promptly.
- Consider hard landscaping or low-upkeep planting for properties with frequent changeovers.
- Book a professional tidy between tenancies so the next occupant starts from a good baseline.
Between tenancies
A turnaround clear-out usually includes mowing, edging, cutting back, weeding, pruning, jet washing paths and removing rubbish. A day rate or fixed price often works well for this; see what a gardener day rate looks like. If the garden has been neglected, our guide to clearing an overgrown garden will help you plan.
Deposits and disputes
Garden condition can feature in deposit claims. Evidence matters on both sides:
- Dated check-in and check-out photographs.
- A written inventory describing the garden.
- Quotes or receipts for any claimed work.
- Reasonable allowance for natural wear, seasonal change and weather.
A landlord should not expect a tenant to restore a garden to a better condition than it was at the start, and a tenant should not leave it significantly worse. Keeping a record and communicating early avoids most issues.
Low-maintenance options for rentals
If you are choosing what to do with a rental garden, think about:
- A smaller lawn with easy-care borders.
- Gravel or mulch areas with robust shrubs.
- Hard-wearing planting that tolerates neglect, such as hardy geraniums and evergreen shrubs.
- Clear edging that makes mowing quick.
Be careful with artificial grass or large hard surfaces, which cost more and change the property; see artificial grass versus a real lawn.
Arranging help
On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local gardeners, send a request with photos and access details, and accept an offer and pay online. Messaging helps with key arrangements or tenant availability. See how it works.
Worked example: a mid-tenancy dispute avoided
A tenant moves into a three-bed terrace in April. The inventory has two photographs of the back garden, both of a tidy lawn. By September the lawn is long, and the landlord's agent queries it during an inspection. Because the tenant took dated photographs at move-in, showed that the lawn mower was never supplied and sent a short email in June asking for one, the issue is settled quickly: the landlord provides a basic mower and the tenant agrees to keep up regular cutting. The difference was evidence and a written conversation, not an argument.
Who usually handles what
| Task | Typically tenant | Typically landlord |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing and light weeding | Yes | Sometimes provides a tool |
| Hedge trimming (low, small) | Often | Depends on the agreement |
| Tall hedges and trees | No | Yes |
| Fences and boundary walls | Report only | Yes |
| Sheds and outbuildings | Report only | Yes |
| Drainage and patio repair | Report only | Yes |
| End-of-tenancy tidy | Reasonable condition | Contributes to dispute resolution |
Your own agreement may differ, and the agreement always comes first.
A simple routine for landlords
- Visit and photograph the garden at the start of each tenancy.
- State expectations in writing, including mowing frequency and any restricted areas.
- Provide basic tools if the garden is a feature of the property.
- Schedule a seasonal check, perhaps spring and autumn, with notice.
- Agree who pays if a professional is needed for an overgrown plot.
Between tenancies
Allow time and budget for a reset. A day rate for a gardener can cover mowing, weeding, hedges and a tidy of paths. Hard surfaces can be jet-washed; see jet washing patios and decking.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a verbal agreement about the garden.
- Assuming a tenant will manage large hedges or trees.
- Starting a deposit deduction without comparing the check-in and check-out photographs.
- Making major planting changes to a rental without permission.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord make me do gardening?
If the tenancy agreement says you must maintain the garden, you should do so within reason. Disputes about what is reasonable should be settled by discussion and evidence.
Can I hire a gardener without telling my landlord?
You can for routine upkeep, but check first for anything that changes the garden, such as removing plants or trees.
Who pays for a tree or fence repair?
Usually the landlord, as it is structural and part of the property, unless the damage was caused by the tenant. Report it promptly in writing.