Garden Maintenance: A Hidden Cost in Deposit Disputes

Garden Maintenance: A Hidden Cost in Deposit Disputes

When it comes to tenancy deposit disputes, most landlords think about cleaning, damage and rent arrears. But there’s another area that quietly racks up costs and causes friction at check-out… The garden.

From overgrown lawns to broken fences, neglected gardens can be expensive to put right. If the condition of the garden wasn’t properly documented at the start of the tenancy, landlords may struggle to recover costs, even when tenants were responsible for maintenance.

Why Gardens Matter in Deposit Disputes

According to mydeposits, garden maintenance is a frequent source of disagreement. Tenants often assume that “reasonable wear and tear” includes allowing the garden to deteriorate, while landlords expect it to be returned in the same condition as at check-in.

Without a clear, evidence-backed inventory, it can be almost impossible to prove what has changed. This leads to disputes, delays in deposit returns and unexpected repair bills.

How to Avoid Garden Disputes at Check-Out

The key to avoiding these disputes is clarity. Landlords and agents should:

• Document everything at check-in: Include detailed descriptions of lawns, flower beds, trees, patios, sheds and boundaries in the inventory. Photographs are essential for capturing seasonal features like plants in bloom or freshly cut grass.
• Set expectations in writing: Tenancy agreements should specify who is responsible for mowing, weeding, hedge trimming or specialist tasks. Ambiguity is a common source of conflict.
• Update inventories seasonally: A garden looks very different in spring than in winter. Using Kaptur, landlords can create seasonal inventory updates that provide a year-round record of condition, making it easier to spot neglect versus natural changes.
• Check regularly: Mid-term inspections can help identify garden issues early, giving tenants the chance to put things right before check-out.

The Cost of Overlooking the Garden

Even a small garden can present hidden costs. For example:

• Clearing overgrown hedges and disposing of waste can run into hundreds of pounds.
• Replacing neglected turf can cost upwards of £500.
• Damage to patios, fencing or sheds may push claims well beyond the value of the deposit.

How Kaptur Helps Protect Against Garden Disputes

Kaptur’s inventory software makes it easy to:

• Record outdoor spaces in the same detail as interiors
• Capture high-quality, date-stamped photographs of gardens
• Schedule seasonal updates to reflect natural changes
• Provide consistent, professional reports that stand up in disputes

By using Kaptur, landlords and agents can avoid garden maintenance becoming a hidden cost and ensure tenants are held fairly accountable for upkeep.

Key Takeaway

Garden maintenance may not be the first thing landlords think about when it comes to deposits, but it is one of the most common causes of disputes. By treating gardens with the same care as interiors in inventories and using seasonal updates through Kaptur, landlords can protect their properties, reduce disagreements and safeguard deposits.

Further Reading & Resources

• Case Study: Garden Maintenance – mydeposits
• Looking After the Garden – mydeposits
• Garden Maintenance in Rented Property – Total Landlord Insurance