Summer is on the way so it’s completely natural that you might be wanting to spend more time in the great outdoors. Sometimes you might want to head to a local park and relax, but other times, it might be nice to stay closer to home. What better way to enjoy the sun than in the garden? In this blog, we’re looking into how to improve your garden space when renting.
Can I change my rental property’s garden?
As a tenant, you will need to check the rules that your landlord has set regarding the outdoor space and garden maintenance. In some cases, it becomes the tenant’s responsibility to take care of the garden. We’ll outline some of the gardening jobs that you may need to perform.
- Mowing the grass
- Watering the outdoor plants and shrubs
- Removing waste
- Keeping the garden in good condition (as shown on the property listing)
Some landlords may already employ a professional gardener to take care of these jobs and some may complete them themselves.
It’s very important that you check with your landlord before making any changes to the inside or outside of the property. Failing to seek permission could be labelled as a breach of contract which can lead to eviction proceedings. This information will be outlined in your tenancy agreement.
Tips to improve your garden space when renting
Use potted plants
The beauty of using plant pots is that you can take them with you when it’s time to move out. This means they are far from permanent and should be fine to add to your rental property’s garden.
There are so many fantastic ideas you can use to display plants, they don’t just need to be in plain pots. Here are some great ideas.
- Wheelbarrow containers
- Buckets
- Tea cups
- Metal bins – great for low maintenance plants
- Wooden pallets – great for flower beds
- Cans – a cost effective way to make things look great!
- Hanging baskets – check there is a temporary way of adding these
You can certainly add a hint of creativity to your garden when it comes to finding the perfect pots.
Grow your own vegetables and herbs
You can easily grow your own vegetables provided that the garden is exposed to the right amount of sunlight and that you care for the plants as guided. These can also be taken with you when you leave the property and can make a rental garden much more exciting.
Add furniture
Some rental properties are furnished and therefore may already have garden furniture, but others may not. If there is no furniture outside, most landlords will not mind you buying some. Alternatively, if the landlord’s existing furniture is overly worn or broken, they may suggest that some new furniture is needed.
Don’t forget that you don’t have to buy furniture brand new. The summer is the perfect time to start an outdoor DIY project. After you’ve finished, you can enjoy your new furniture and be proud that you made it yourself.
Add colour to the outdoor space
Adding bright colours is sure to make a garden more exciting, and the best part is that you can add colour in many ways without having to make any permanent changes. For example, you might choose to paint your own garden furniture, or add a range of colourful flowers.
Make sure to speak to your landlord before making any changes to anything that belongs to them, such as garden fence panels or garden seating areas.
Other ways to add excitement to the outside space
- Outdoor rugs – these help to create a focal point in outdoor spaces
- Window boxes
- Egg chair set
- Fairy lights
- Soft furnishings
- Outdoor coffee table
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding how to improve rental gardens. Remember that there are many ways that you can make your rental property your own without breaking any rules or spending too much money. Even if it’s a small garden, there are still plenty of options.
Are you looking for your next property? Contact our friendly team today – we’re more than happy to help.
