Hedge in garden of rented house

hudashley_2

The house I currently rent has a large hedge around the border. My tenancy says I am to keep the garden tidy, but not to 'lop, cut, prune or otherwise injure and bushes or trees'.

Around 6 months ago my letting agent asked me to cut this hedge (it is around 9ft tall), I refused stating the clause I mentioned above. They told me that this doesn't matter as they've gave permission (insinuating I'd asked to cut the hedge).

They haven't said anything else (yet) but as we are due an inspection I'm really not sure what to do about it. I don't really have the equipment to do this work myself, or the money to pay someone. But with what my contract says I don't think it's my responsibility.

Was just wondering if anyone could confirm or deny my opinion on this? Cheers.

G_M

Are you willing to cut it? If so, write to the landlord at the proper address, describe the state of the hedge, quote the clause in the tenancy, and ask for his written permission.

If you don't want to cut it, write to the landlord at the proper address, describe the state of the hedge, quote the clause in the tenancy,and ask him to arrange for a contractor to cut the hedge.

hudashley_2

The hedge is beyond what I believe I would be able to do to any sort of respectable standard.

I've quoted the clause before, at which point they informed me to leave it. It is now getting to the stage beyond what I believe is acceptable (for example hanging onto footpath).

I'm more worried about them trying to pin future liability on me.

Thanks.

kinger101

hudashley wrote: »

The hedge is beyond what I believe I would be able to do to any sort of respectable standard.

I've quoted the clause before, at which point they informed me to leave it. It is now getting to the stage beyond what I believe is acceptable (for example hanging onto footpath).

I'm more worried about them trying to pin future liability on me.

Thanks.

Well, contact the landlord directly as GM suggest's. If you've informed him of the state, and your contract states you are not to prune the hedge, I can't see how you'd be responsible for letting it get overgrown.

If letting agents had half a brain, they'd be able to write a clause that allows tenants to cut hedges, rather than having something that doesn't work for either landlord or tenant.

Mossfarr

The agent may responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the property on behalf of the landlord. I definitely wouldn't touch it, they are probably trying to save themselves money & hassle by getting you to do it.
I would drop a line to the landlord and explain what's going on.
Faz

kinger101

Mossfarr wrote: »

The agent may responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the property on behalf of the landlord. I definitely wouldn't touch it, they are probably trying to save themselves money & hassle by getting you to do it.
I would drop a line to the landlord and explain what's going on.
Faz

I doubt the agent is responsible for maintaining the garden. It's not a typical service provided by letting agents. Normally their services just include collecting money landlord and tenant for printing out pro-forma contracts. I think trimming a hedge is well beyond their capabilities.

Mossfarr

on the contrary kinger101, letting agents often offer a 'full property management service', obviously they don't physically cut the grass or trim hedges themselves - they get contractors in to do it! There are an awful lot of landlords who live abroad or too far away to sort maintenance themselves. My cousin lives in Dubai and she has a full management agreement with the letting agent she uses.
Faz

G_M

hudashley wrote: »

...
I've quoted the clause before, at which point they informed me to leave it. .

I refer you to post 2.

Have you writen to the landlord at the proper address?

This not only advances the process for getting the hedge trimmed, but protects you from blame in the future.

A chat, text, whatever with the agent is not the same as a proper formal letter.

hudashley_2

G_M wrote: »

I refer you to post 2.

Have you writen to the landlord at the proper address?

This not only advances the process for getting the hedge trimmed, but protects you from blame in the future.

A chat, text, whatever with the agent is not the same as a proper formal letter.

I'll make that my next port or call. The communication I have with the agent is mainly through email, so at least I have copies to cover myself.

I don't think speaking to the landlord will help, we've had a tile missing in kitchen ceiling for 6 months because and I quote 'the landlord isn't prepared to pay for a pack he wants to source a single tile'.

Thanks for the advice though.