Include the garden in the inventory, check-in and check-out reports
It’s important to make sure you prepare a solid inventory and check-in report at the beginning of the tenancy
It’s important to make sure you prepare a solid inventory and check-in report at the beginning of the tenancy in case it’s needed later.
If there’s a dispute over garden maintenance, an adjudicator will review the evidence, in particular the inventory, check-in and check-out reports, to compare the condition of the garden at the end of the tenancy to how it was at the beginning.
Take an inventory at the start of the tenancy which details the exact condition of each area of the garden. Check-in reports should always give clear descriptions and be supported by good quality photographs
Check-out descriptions should be detailed, and photographs should be taken from the same angle as they were in the check-in report, so a clear comparison can be made
Make sure that the tenant is present at check-in and check-out if possible. If this isn’t possible, you should be able to demonstrate that they received the reports as soon as they were available and had the opportunity to comment. The tenant should sign both reports as evidence of their consent
Be sure to take into account the seasonal time of year the tenant moved in, and ‘seasonal growth’, as conditions of gardens differ and any deterioration between check-in and check-out may be due to seasonal changes rather than neglect by the tenant
Take into account reasonable wear and tear, which will apply to the fixtures and features in the garden such as fencing, sheds, paving and gates