Looking after your garden
Many council-owned homes have a garden. It is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain their garden. However, help is available for tenants who cannot manage their own garden.
If you believe a council-owned garden is not being maintained correctly, you can make and enquiry to your Neighbourhood Housing Officer.
The garden standard
The conditions of your tenancy state that 'You must keep the garden (if any) in a reasonable and tidy condition'.
Who it applies to
These standards apply to all tenants who:
- have a tenancy with their own garden
- have use of shared gardens, such as communal gardens
- use communal paths and access ways
Expected garden standard for:
Grass
Grass should be no taller than ten centimetres at all times.
Shrubs and plants
Shrubs and plants should not overhang paths, neighbours’ gardens or access ways.
Hedges
Hedges should be below two metres high and should not overhang pathways in a way that may be dangerous to others.
Trees
Trees need to be kept manageable. They should be removed if they are dangerous or causing structural damage.
Branches should not be left in a dangerous condition. For example, if they are too long or broken and subsequently hanging down from the tree.
Litter and waste
The garden should be kept clear of litter and waste at all times.
Bins and bin areas
All household waste should be stored in the wheelie or communal bins provided. No rubbish should be left in bags, in the garden or next to wheelie bins.
Communal areas
Rubbish should be stored and disposed of in the appropriate location.
Large items
Large items should be removed using large item collection service.
Sheds and outbuildings
Sheds and outbuildings should not be used for storage of household waste, unless it is waiting for disposal on or during the next bin collection.
Recycling
See: Recyling for flats and communally occupied properties.
Pets
Your tenancy agreement gives information about keeping pets. It is your responsibility to make sure:
- all dog fouling is cleared up
- where a dog is allowed in the garden that adequate fencing is installed and maintained to prevent the dog entering other gardens.
Vehicles, parking and dropped kerbs
If a vehicle is to be stored in the garden, you must have an authorised dropped kerb and hard standing parking (minimum size for a hard standing is 4.8m x 2.4m). This will be at your own expense.