Who Looks After the Garden in a Rental Property? A Spring Guide for Landlords and Tenants in Cardiff, Newport & South Wales

Why Garden Responsibilities Matter More in Spring

During winter, gardens are often out of sight and out of mind. In spring, tenants begin using patios, lawns, and outdoor areas again.

This is when issues become noticeable:

• Overgrown grass and weeds
• Broken fencing or gates
• Loose paving or damaged decking
• Blocked drains filled with leaves
• Untidy borders and dead plants

A poorly maintained garden can affect tenant satisfaction and kerb appeal when remarketing a rental property in Cardiff or Newport.

Is the Tenant Responsible for Garden Maintenance?

In many rental properties across South Wales, yes — for basic upkeep. However, this depends entirely on what is written in the tenancy agreement.

Typical tenant garden responsibilities include:

• Mowing the lawn
• Keeping borders tidy
• Removing weeds
• Sweeping patios and paths
• Watering plants where reasonable
• Disposing of garden waste
• Preventing the garden from becoming overgrown

Tenants are not usually expected to carry out specialist work such as tree surgery, landscaping, or replacing mature plants.

Clear wording in the tenancy agreement is essential.

What Should Landlords Remain Responsible For?

Landlords across Cardiff and Newport are generally responsible for:

• Boundary walls, fences and gates
• Dangerous trees or large branches
• Unsafe steps, decking or paving
• Drainage issues
• Major clearance if the garden was already in poor condition

A simple rule works well:

Tenants maintain. Landlords repair and replace.

Start with a Detailed Inventory

One of the biggest causes of disputes in South Wales rentals is a lack of evidence about the garden’s condition at move-in.

Your check-in inventory should include:

• Lawn condition
• Borders and planting areas
• Fences and gates
• Patios, decking and sheds
• Confirmation the garden was tidy at move-in
• Photos

This makes end-of-tenancy comparisons straightforward.

Keep Gardens Manageable for Tenants

Low-maintenance gardens reduce issues. If your property has:

• Large lawns
• Shaped hedges
• Extensive planting
• Complex landscaping

It may be worth arranging a gardener rather than relying on tenants.

This is particularly useful for:

• Larger family homes
• Premium rentals
• Properties being prepared for future sale

Spring Tips for Landlords in Cardiff & Newport

• Check your tenancy agreement wording
• Review your inventory photos
• Carry out a spring inspection
• Keep planting low-maintenance
• Fix fencing and paving quickly
• Communicate early if standards slip

Regular inspections from a professional property management company in South Wales can prevent small issues becoming expensive ones.

Support from Redkey Property Management

At Redkey, we help landlords across Cardiff, Newport and South Wales set clear expectations that protect both the property and the tenant relationship.

If you need help managing your rental property, our team is here to ensure everything runs smoothly — inside and out.

📞 01633 387970
📧 hello@redkeylets.co.uk

FAQs – Garden Responsibility in Rental Properties

Is mowing the lawn the tenant’s responsibility?
Usually yes, if stated in the tenancy agreement.

Can a landlord expect a tenant to improve the garden?
No. Maintenance is expected, not improvement.

Who fixes broken fences or unsafe paving?
The landlord, as this falls under repair and safety.

Should garden responsibilities be written into the tenancy agreement?
Absolutely. This avoids misunderstandings later.

Is spring the best time to inspect the garden?
Yes. Growth resumes and issues are easier to spot.