Renting house - Garden question

Davinaz

Hi all,

Long time lurker, newly registered as I have a question. Renting a newly built house with private landlords. Smallish garden but no storage for lawnmower or tools etc. Am i within my rights to request storage? Thoughts? Landlords are a bit awkward hence why I'm here asking for peoples thoughts before asking!

Thanks

pmlindyloo

What does it say about maintaining the garden in your contract?

Worth asking for a shed (do put it in writing after phoning) but no legal right to one as far as I know.

Otherwise, just buy a small shed and take it with you when you go (should ask permission from LL to erect) or one of those large storage boxes.

What do the neighbours have?

Any large cupboard in the house that would be suitable? Garage?

Davinaz

I haven't checked the contract but will have a look this evening.

We have looked at prices of sheds/storage boxes and could get one, however in my opinion I feel that this should be at expense of the Landlord.

In regards to neighbours; The landlord actually owns that house too. However it isn't a new build. It has a shed in the garden and presumably has been there a long time.

The house is actually lacking somewhat in storage (it is a 3 bed house). No garage or even proper storage for hoover/mop etc - which is a bit odd.

Thanks for your help.

LEJC

Davinaz wrote: »

Hi all,

Long time lurker, newly registered as I have a question. Renting a newly built house with private landlords. Smallish garden but no storage for lawnmower or tools etc. Am i within my rights to request storage? Thoughts? Landlords are a bit awkward hence why I'm here asking for peoples thoughts before asking!

Thanks

Are you expected as part of your tenancy to mow the lawn and what tools would you need to maintain the garden.
Does your agreement make reference to it as some LL will arrange for gardening to be carried out periodically


I am a LL and have tried to make my gardens as maintanence free as possible so dont know what my answer would be in regard to the purchase of a shed...but it may be an option,although I assume if a shed were supplied you would probably need to seek insurance for the contents of your tools/mower on your contents policy as it would probably not be covered by the LL building insurance.

G_M

Have you signed the contract? Best time to negotiate extras (eg garden shed) is before signing (ie make it a condition of you taking the tenancy.)

Once you've signed, it is down to goodwill.

It's a sensible suggestion and many LLs would agree as the shed will be useful for subsequent tenants too (or LL if he moves back in).

xsinaftersinx

When we moved into our house it had a shed but it had no roof on it, the landlord said he would come and fix it after we moved in. For one reason or another that didn't happen so I spoke to the landlord, asked if he minded if we took the old one down and replaced with a new one, he said its fine so we bought one. We plan on being in the house for a few years at least so it's better for me and when we leave it's better for the landlord so it's a win win all round.

Davinaz

LEJC wrote: »

Are you expected as part of your tenancy to mow the lawn and what tools would you need to maintain the garden.
Does your agreement make reference to it as some LL will arrange for gardening to be carried out periodically


I am a LL and have tried to make my gardens as maintanence free as possible so dont know what my answer would be in regard to the purchase of a shed...but it may be an option,although I assume if a shed were supplied you would probably need to seek insurance for the contents of your tools/mower on your contents policy as it would probably not be covered by the LL building insurance.

I'm pretty sure we are expected to maintain the garden (as you do in most rental agreements). Again this is something I will have to check this evening. I definitely remember them recommending a cleaning company for the house(!).

Have you signed the contract? Best time to negotiate extras (eg garden shed) is before signing (ie make it a condition of you taking the tenancy.)

Once you've signed, it is down to goodwill.

It's a sensible suggestion and many LLs would agree as the shed will be useful for subsequent tenants too (or LL if he moves back in).

Yep its all signed and we have been there awhile now. Unfortunately it wasn't something we realised until we moved in. Live n' learn and all that.

Think I'll look at our contract etc this evening and decide from that. Thanks for the help everyone!

fishpond

How about a plastic garden storage unit.
Its waterproof, you can keep all your garden equipment in it, also easily taken apart to take when you leave, come in various sizes.
I believe they are cheaper than a decent shed.
You shouldn't need permission to erect it.