Garden Goals: Why Gardening Matters at the End of Your Tenancy 🌱

So, you’re counting down the weeks until move-out day — exams are nearly over, boxes are piling up, and you’re ready to hand back the keys and enjoy summer. But before you slam the door behind you, there’s one patch of responsibility that often gets overlooked: the garden. Yep, that leafy jungle out back or the overgrown driveway you haven’t looked at since October? It’s your responsibility — and it could cost you part of your deposit if you don’t sort it.

Let’s dig into why gardening matters, what your contract says, how it can actually boost your mood, and how Student Housing is here to help 🌼

🧾 What Your Contract Actually Says

It’s not just us being picky — your tenancy agreement clearly states (Section 4.5) that you must:

“Keep the garden, driveway, pathway, hedges, rockeries neat tidy and do not remove any trees or plants.”

And under special terms (Section 10.3), it’s reinforced again:

“The garden is to be kept neat and tidy and free of refuse and items that may cause offence to neighbours.”

Translation? If your garden is full of bin bags, broken furniture, or looks like it’s been taken over by Mother Nature herself — you’re responsible for returning it to a tidy, presentable condition before you leave. If you don’t, the landlord can and will deduct the cost of professional gardening or waste removal from your deposit. Ouch.

🌼 Why Gardening’s Actually Good for You & Your Mental Health

Okay, so we know pulling weeds isn’t your idea of a good time — but hear us out. Even just 20 minutes of outdoor gardening can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Boost serotonin (your brain’s happy hormone)

• Give you a break from revision or screen time

• Increase your daily step count (every little helps)

Plus, tidying your garden gives you that little dopamine rush of “ahhh, productivity” without needing to crack open another textbook. Win-win.

🧰 Borrow a Gardening Kit (Yes, Really!)

Don’t own gloves? No shears in the shed? No worries.

All tenants can borrow a free gardening kit from the Student Housing office. Our kits include:

• Hand tools (gloves, spade, rake, clippers)

• Refuse sacks for green waste

• A quick how-to guide for basic garden TLC

Just pop into your local office in Lincoln, Nottingham or Hull or email your Property Manager to arrange a loan. It’s completely free — all we ask is that you return the kit when you’re done!

✨ Top Tips for a Quick Garden Glow-Up

Not sure where to start? We got you.

1. Do a quick sweep — Pick up any rubbish, Leaves, broken furniture, beer cans, or leftover BBQ gear.

2. Tackle the jungle — Pull weeds from paths, flower beds and in between paving stones.

3. Check the bins — Empty them, clean them if needed, and make sure they’re in the right place.

📸 Don’t Forget to Take Photos!

Once you’ve finished, take photos of the garden to prove it was in a clean and tidy state when you left. This protects you from any future disputes and makes your check-out inspection a breeze. Think of it as a garden selfie for your deposit.

🌿 Last but Not Least

You are responsible for the outside of your home — not just the inside. And a tidy garden not only helps protect your deposit but shows respect for the property and the neighbours (who, let’s be honest, probably don’t love your beer-can-bush situation right now).

If you’re unsure about anything, check out our Moving Out Guide or speak to our team. We’re always here to help — and we want to see every student get as much of their deposit back as possible.

Let’s finish your tenancy the right way: clean, green and hassle-free 🌱