Garden Maintenance / Repairs In Rentals

I left my lawn mower as a gesture of goodwill for the tenant to maintain the gardens. There was nothing written in the Tenancy Agreement about the lawn mower. Unfortunately, it is now broken and the tenant has bought a new one. Where do I stand with this as his asking me to pay for this new lawn mower?

ANSWER 1: This depends solely on what you have in your Tenancy agreement. If your agreement states that your tenant is to maintain the garden, then you have to provide them with the tools to do so. However, the tenant has to inform you that the lawn mower was not working, giving you the option to either lend or replace. The tenant does not have the right to purchase a new one and demand the cost from you, therefore this is the tenants equipment and they may take it with them when they leave.

Who is responsable for the gardening and upkeep of gardens on a rented property??

ANSWER 1: The tenant is typically responsible for the upkeep of the gardens, unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.

My tenant has said the gate and some garden fence panels need mending or replacing. I asked for them to get a couple of quotes for rectifying fence and gate. A week later they have come back to me with one quote. I asked them to get more than one quote- am I with in my rights to wait until I receive more quotes before paying for the fixtures?

ANSWER 1: If it is your responsibilty to maintain the fence and gates, I would get the quotes and deal with it yourself. Make sure you give your tenants 24 hours written notice that you will be attending the property and again when the contractors will be on the premises making the repairs.

The back fence in my garden is old, weak and really needs replacing, but the landlord says its not his responsibility. Is that true?

ANSWER 1: If it's on his land it's the landlord's responsibility. You may need to contact the council to see if it's within his propery bounds, and not the neighbours.

ANSWER 2: The starting point is to check the title deeds. Ask your landlord for a copy but if he refuses you can check online at land registry for £4. If the deeds say nothing (which unfortunately they often do) have a look on site. The posts are normally situated on the land belonging to the owner.