How to prevent garden disputes with tenants
Encourage open dialogue and cooperation between the landord and tenant regarding garden upkeep
Although garden disputes with tenants increase slightly during the summer months, often any issues can be dealt with through good communication between landlord and tenant and taking the following steps during the tenancy:
This will enable you to assess the condition of the garden and spot any issues early, reducing the extent and cost of any damage.
Even if you have a great tenant, routine inspections can help prevent problems from escalating at a later stage. Inspections also indicate to your tenant that you care about the property and expect it to be returned in good condition.
Ideally, your tenant should be present during inspections so that they are made aware of any issues as they crop up, and they have the opportunity to raise any concerns with you. You must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before carrying out an inspection.
If any work needs to be done keeping the evidence will help with negotiating costs at the end of the tenancy if needed, and if necessary, help an adjudicator make a fair decision on what is reasonable.
This can be used to recover some of the costs if needed, due to damage or neglect of the garden by the tenant.
Landlords should also have an adequate buildings insurance policy in place that covers malicious and accidental damage by tenants and their guests, such as Total Landlord’s Premier cover..
It also includes as standard damage to landscaped gardens by emergency services and damage to landlords’ gardening equipment in outbuildings (provided it is locked away)