For some tenants, having a garden is one of the top requirements for their next tenancy. However, while having a garden can be useful and enjoyable, there are also downsides to owning a garden that many tenants will overlook.
The positives
1. Increases your space
In smaller, cramped properties, a garden can be a life-saver. It makes it easier to have friends over, as in good weather you can use the garden as an extra room. Especially in the summer, having a garden can make you feel like you have a much bigger rental property than you do. (For more tips on how to maximise small spaces, click here.)
2. Great for pets
If your landlord allows pets on the property, then having a garden is ideal. It saves you time and hassle to be able to let your dog out during the day, and would save you the worry of having to let your cat out onto a busy road.
The negatives
1. Can effect your deposit
It’s crucial at the beginning of your tenancy to detail on the inventory exactly what state the garden is in when you move in. To get your full deposit back at the end of your tenancy, you’ll have to ensure the garden is well-kept. It’s likely a landlord will deduct from your deposit costs for gardening at the end of your tenancy if you haven’t managed to look after the space. This means that there is a risk you may lose money if you can’t commit to a bit of extra work.
As Homelet fund in their survey:
Of those landlords who’d ever withheld a tenant’s deposit at the end of a tenancy, 49% said it was due to the state of the garden.
https://homelet.co.uk/tenants/blog/article/renting-a-house-with-a-garden
2. Upkeep is time-consuming
The required upkeep of a garden take more time and effort than you would imagine. During the winter, the work is likely to be more minimal, but in the summer most will require at the very least for the grass to be cut, bushes cut back, and the plants weeded.
3. Issues over shared access
Before renting, you should check whether or not you are the sole tenants with access to the property’s garden. Outdoor spaces that have shared access can cause problems over who is responsible for maintenance, and also issues over noise and usage. This could lead to disputes that could effect your entire renting experience.
4. More expensive
If you’re completely set on finding a property that has a garden, it can limit your housing options and also add to the price. In major cities, outdoor space is often in short supply and high demand. This means you should be prepared to pay more and sacrifice other property preferences.