Category: Gardens for Selling or Renting Read time: 5 min read

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Published

15 April 2026 · 5 min read

Last reviewed

19 July 2026

Reviewed by a senior CGM team member.

The short answer

Quick Answer

To keep a rental property garden presentable between tenants: arrange monthly maintenance visits, secure the property, monitor for problems, and have a key holder for emergencies. Cost: 500 to 1,500 pounds per year for a typical rental garden. Landlords in the Chilterns should budget for this to protect the property value and attract good tenants.

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The Empty Rental Garden Problem

When a rental property is empty between tenants, the garden can become overgrown within weeks. An overgrown garden signals that the property is empty, which is a security risk. It also makes the property harder to let, as prospective tenants see a neglected garden and assume the property is not well maintained.

In the Chilterns, where rental properties are common in university towns like Oxford and commuter towns like High Wycombe, Aylesbury, and Bicester, landlords need to keep the garden presentable between tenancies. This guide explains how.

The 5-Point Plan for Empty Rental Gardens

1. Monthly Maintenance Visits

Arrange monthly maintenance visits to:

  • Mow the lawn
  • Weed paths and borders
  • Check for problems
  • Water containers (if any)
  • Security check

2. Secure the Property

  • Lock all gates and outbuildings
  • Install a key safe for emergency access
  • Trim hedges so the property is visible from the road
  • Remove valuables from sheds
  • Install timer lights

3. Monitor for Problems

Check for:

  • Broken fences
  • Fallen trees or branches
  • Leaks
  • Signs of break-in
  • Pest infestations

4. Have a Key Holder

Have a key holder (the maintenance gardener or a neighbour) who can provide access for emergencies.

5. Comply with Insurance

Most home insurance policies require that an empty property is checked regularly (usually every 7 to 30 days). A maintenance visit can serve as this check.

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The Monthly Maintenance Schedule

SeasonFrequencyKey jobs
Spring (March to May)MonthlyMow, weed, check for problems
Summer (June to August)MonthlyMow, water containers, check for problems
Autumn (September to November)MonthlyMow, leaf clearance, check for problems
Winter (December to February)MonthlyQuick tidy, security check

What a Maintenance Visit Includes

  • Mow the lawn and edge
  • Weed paths, borders, and driveway
  • Check for problems (broken fences, fallen trees, leaks)
  • Water containers (if any)
  • Sweep paths and patio
  • Security check (gates locked, outbuildings secure)
  • Report: WhatsApp photos and notes to the landlord

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The Cost of Keeping a Rental Garden Presentable

Garden sizeAnnual cost
Small (100 sqm)500-1,000 pounds
Medium (300 sqm)800-1,500 pounds
Large (500+ sqm)1,200-2,500 pounds

Common Mistakes

  • Not having a maintenance schedule. An overgrown garden signals that the property is empty.
  • Not having a key holder. If there is an emergency, no one can provide access.
  • Not checking insurance requirements. Most policies require regular checks. Failure to do so can invalidate the policy.
  • Not securing the property. An empty property is a target for burglary and vandalism.
  • Not communicating with the landlord. The landlord needs to know what is happening at the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an empty rental garden be maintained?

Monthly. This keeps the garden looking presentable and the property secure.

How much does it cost to keep a rental garden presentable?

500 to 1,500 pounds per year for a typical rental garden. This is much less than the cost of a full clearance between tenancies.

Can I use a neighbour to check the property?

Yes, for basic checks. But a professional maintenance gardener is better for keeping the garden under control and spotting problems.

Get Help Keeping Your Rental Garden Presentable

If you are a landlord in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Bedfordshire and want help keeping a rental garden presentable between tenants, send us a WhatsApp with photos and we will aim to respond within 12 to 36 hours, Monday to Sunday.

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Further Reading

Estate Note

In mature and established gardens, always assess the existing ecosystem before making changes. Small adjustments to timing and technique can preserve decades of growth and wildlife value.

Useful next steps

Put this advice into practice

Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.

Open the garden care assessmentOpen guide How often should a gardener visit?Open guide Why a garden needs a maintenance planOpen guide
Get a tailored quote

Sources and citations

This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.

  1. CGM field records (2026-07. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
  2. Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
  3. Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
  4. British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.