Who is responsible for the garden during a sublet?

For some, their garden is a curated masterpiece and for others a necessary evil. Who is responsible for what during a sublet and what can you actually expect the tenant to take care of?

Tenant's responsibilities:

• Mowing the lawn
• Raking leaves
• Removing weeds from flower beds 
• Watering flowers and grass
• Removing and disposing fallen fruit from trees
• Shoveling snow 
• Removing ice/putting down sand if the property borders a publicly used walking path
• If there is a pool/jacuzzi on the property and the tenants have agreed to use it they also have to take care of the maintenance (unless otherwise agreed upon)

What is still your responsibility?

• Trimming of bushes and fruit trees
• Trimming of hedges 
• Removing/cutting down trees if needed 
• Clearing of drain pipes 
• Complex landscaping  
• Maintaining challenging landscapes – deep slopes, ponds, and complex fountains/water systems
• Pool/jacuzzi maintenance if not used by the tenants 

What are our recommendations based on our experience since 2003?

If your garden is a project that you have spent many summers on and a lot of your hard earned money, then we recommend taking more ownership of it during the tenancy than you are required to. That will decrease possible heartache when you come home. A tenant will almost never take care of your garden like you do, they will do the bare minimum.

Our recommendation is to get proposals and find a provider before you move to do what you normally would take care of during the years you will be gone. Unfortunately, the garden is often a point of contention and disappointment when owners return to their home after renting it out. 

We love Trello as a tool. Easy to use and gives you the ability to give the tenant and the service provider to see what is planned and when. 

Our templates for caring for your home is also a great investment. Remember, what you do not in written and signed form instruct your tenant to care for, becomes hard to get compensation for if something goes awry.