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Do i need permission from the landlord to start a vegetable patch?
fat_boy_slim_11
Posts: 7
Ive tried googleing this and i cant find anything.
Thanks.
0
Posts
I don't think there's a law about it - depends what's in your contract as regards garden maintenance. Best to ask if you aren't sure. As Pauline says, if he says no, grow veg in pots or even better, try to get an allotment. Then you can invest much more in it knowing it'll still be yours even if you move house.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
'Easier to ask forgiveness than permission' is often true but a veg garden is a long term project and if you start and are stopped after a year or so, it would be very disheartening.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
A veg patch is quite a commitment in terms of time, effort and money. I'd suggest contacting landlord / agent beforehand.
It also depends on what is in the garden already.
If the garden is well maintained your landlord may not be happy to have it changed.
Ask first, it would be a shame to put a lot of time, money and energy into making a veg. garden only to have to abandon it.
Depends what your tenancy agreement says. If it's silent then you will need to get express permission. If you have an empty border that you want to grow veg in I don't think that would be a problem but if you want to dig up turf and form a new veg patch you are likely to be liable for putting it back to turf - and do it properly. Basically you need to hand the property back in exactly the condition you found it. If the garden is a mess and over grown, if you do a good job of improving it then the landlord is likely to be onside.
I agree with Joyce - depends a lot on what is there now.
If the garden is an abandoned, overgrown space chances are the landlord either won't give a t*ss or will be pleased to see somebody doing something which tidies it up.
If it is a properly maintained garden with good planting the landlord would probably be furious if you dug up his efforts and replaced it with something which a new tenant might not maintain. In which case he would probably insist you reinstate the old garden.
If it is a tidily maintained but a rather boring fence and lawn type arrangement the landlord might well be amenable if you can show that you've properly thought about how the space would look and can convince him that you will maintain it properly. As Hosta says it is quite a commitment in terms of time and money. Veg gardens can quickly start to look scruffy and uncared for - especially in the winter.
I would look at your tenancy agreement. If that doesn't answer your question - or suggests there might be room for negotiation - I would draw up some proper plans and work out exactly what you want to grow and where and how (raised beds, pots, in the ground, combination of all?). Have you considered the practicalities of watering etc? - is there an outside tap? - can one be put in easily? - who would pay for this?
Once you've worked out all the pitfalls and problems in your own head you will be in a much better position to negotiate and get your landlord to agree. Good luck
Last edited: 07 March 2017 11:31:53
Please bear in mind it isn't about what is there or whether you believe you are improving it - it depends on the tenancy agreement and/or getting permission from your landlord.
I think the simple answer is " yes, you do."
I'm sure most would be perfectly agreeable to a reasonable suggestion, but some are just not that reasonable.
I've never rented but I would imagine there is some kind of 'catch all' section referring to the property being left as it was found when the tenant moves. If that is the case the OP might have to returf the area if it is changed from lawn to garden.
Even if the landlord agrees to the tenant creating a veg patch, it would be worth checking if reinstatement would be required if the tenant leaves.