Even for the greenest of thumbs, gardening maintenance can seem like a forever ‘do or die’ situation.
Weeds appear to grow at precisely the rate you pull them out; shrubs go from gorgeous to ghastly without constant attention; and lawns seem to be a constant case of bloom and gloom, between heavy rainfall and sweltering heat (cue the average Sydney day).
Add to that, not actually owning the property… and suddenly the appeal of letting your gardens be free, wild and completely self-ruling is all too tempting.
But while gardening isn’t everyone’s therapy – and some tenants can easily find themselves in a ‘not my house’ mindset – when it comes to outdoor obligations, there are some basic ground rules for tenants and landlords.
So who’s responsible?
For one, responsibilities will depend on the type of property you are renting (an apartment, townhouse, house), as well as the conditions listed in your tenancy agreement.
Apartments may not warrant any specific terms for outdoor maintenance at all, other than to keep balconies and/or courtyards tidy and free from rubbish, given that common gardens and areas are largely the responsibility of strata bodies.
On the other hand, townhomes, duplexes, houses and other types of properties on private land will usually specify one clause: that the rental property be maintained (within reason) to the same condition that it was provided in, at the commencement of the tenancy agreement.
That’s to say, tenant garden responsibilities are similar outdoors, as they are inside: to keep the property neat, tidy and free of damage. In most cases, this involves simple, regular maintenance by the tenant (or their hired professional), including:
- Lawn mowing and edging
- Watering grass and gardens
- Weeding
- Pruning and trimming hedges and shrubbery.
What about those larger problems?
Of course, there are always the larger tasks – ‘headaches’, for many – that emerge here and there; fallen branches, clogged gutters or pipes from matted leaves, and a number of other chores that can present a hazard.
Instances of major work or ‘remedying’ like these are typically the responsibility of the landlord, and are more likely to demand specialist knowledge or equipment to keep the home in good repair. Property owners are also required to provide taps, sprinklers and any other water system required for their tenant to maintain the garden.
If in doubt, always speak to your property manager, especially if it’s to report an issue that could lead to major damage down the road – which no tenant wants to be liable for.
Our experienced team is always happy to help, whatever the question or concern. You can contact your property manager by calling your Prudential Real Estate office below.
In every instance, regular outdoor maintenance will minimise the chances of major headaches down the track. Plus, who knows… the venture of seeding and weeding in the sun may actually grow on you!
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
