How to copy with the LL

jangor_2

I have been renting a bungalow for three months and caring for the garden (both sides of the bungalow) as though it were my own. However the bungalow does not have a garden at the rear just a 3' strip of paving between the bungalow and the end of the gardens of the bungalows in the next street. The LL lives in one of these bungalows. It is obvious that she is frequently at the bottom of the garden looking over the fence into my garden. I have now been asked to cut down a tall shrub because it was time. I have done so. Today she, her brother and the brother's partner all called to my over the fence and asked if the brother could come round and cut the wisteria down. I pointed out I have cut it back but was told it needs to be cut down halfway and again in February or it will not grow next year. I was then told he would come round next week to do this and advised presumably the gate would be open. I find this is now getting rather intrusive and not sure how to deal with it. The tenancy is being handled by an agent but I think the LL has no idea of the conditions attached to having a tenant and seems to think I can be asked to do anything they think needs doing. I didn't want to move so quickly but unsure how to handle this.

jangor_2

or even "cope"

BitterAndTwisted

I dunno, the LL coming round to take care of a wisteria when it needs cutting right back seems entirely fair and reasonable to me. It's not like they're forcing themselves into your home uninvited or anything

ifonlyitwaseasier

i'd go thro the agent and send a very polite letter stating that as you are renting the property you expect to have quiet enjoyment of it and unless it is an emergency or maintenance requested by you as the tenant, you will not be requiring the landlord to come round and do gardening.

if they get p!ssy tell them that if they wanted control of the gardening they should have set the contract up with the services of a gardener included.

also make sure the gate is locked!

theartfullodger

ifonlylifewaseasier is absolutely right....

I'd go further: If I got any trespassers (even if they are LL) I'd ask them to leave: If they didn't I call the Police. Mind you you might get notice to quit & not a very good reference...

Cheers!

Lodger

BitterAndTwisted

Of course, what a fair and reasonable person would ask themself is "what would a fair and reasonable person do in such circumstances?" In your position, I'd let the LL round to take care of the wisteria if they wanted to. Obviously the wisteria is going to be around for an awful lot longer than the tenant will be.

jangor_2

Thanks for the responses but the problem is it isn't just the wisteria which I am obviously not pruning correctly and which they have said they are coming round to cut. I have previously been asked if the LL can trot round to prune a shrub which I had already started. The neighbour next door to LL leaned over the fence to ask me what I was pruning. I am actually taking very good care of the garden and it is in the same condition as when I moved in three months ago. It is a little off putting knowing the LL and brother are constantly monitoring the bungalow and garden and making requests for me to do things. Unfortunately I do actually like a little privacy but it seems I am not to be allowed to have it. Sadly I think I will have to move on as soon as my six months tenancy has expired.

Strapped

I'd start indulging in my "hobby" (naturism ) while gardening, see how keen they are to leer over the fence then.

PasturesNew

Do your gardening entirely naked.

olly300

What a weird LL. I don't understand why they want to cause trouble for themselves.

What does it say in your tenancy agreement about taking care of the garden?

The only rented properties I've lived in with gardens I was specifically told either not to touch the garden at all as the landlord used a gardener , or only to cut the grass.

If the tenancy doesn't say anything then you either need:
1. To tell the LL to f*** off politely as stated by ifonlyitwaseasier
2. As they seem intend on doing the gardening regardless of your efforts then they can take care of the garden themselves but are only allowed to come around on the same week day, which will be agreed, fortnightly in the morning/afternoon. (The time that will suit you best)

jangor_2

Many thanks again for the responses. Hmm gardening in the nude with a shape like mine,, I must admit would be enough to put off even the most hardened nosy neighbour:rotfl::rotfl:
They have now also said they are going to come round and make a new wooden frame to replace the existing one as they don't like the look of it (there is actually nothing wrong with it). I have now been out all morning cos I simply can't cope with being the focus of their attention. Why do they want to live at the bottom of their garden?!! I have now started looking elsewhere. If I pay the full six months rebt (I have an AST for six months) am I allowed to move out early? I felt my age this morning, now I feel ten years older