Skip to Content

Are You a Rental Property Tenant With a Green Thumb?

A female tenant tending to plants on a rental unit balcony. Are you a renter who has a strong desire to garden but finds it difficult to make time for it because of space constraints, landlord regulations, or expensive upkeep? You’re not alone. Despite one’s living situation, this article will furnish suggestions and advice for cultivating an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious garden. Landscaping and gardening are cost-effective hobbies that make your rental property feel more like home

Types of Gardening and Landscaping Options for Renters 

The first thing a renter who enjoys gardening and landscaping needs to think about is what kind of option best fits your needs in terms of both space and money. Practical and widely used alternatives for renters include the following: 

  • Container gardening Gardening in a rental property in this manner is highly adaptable. By cultivating numerous plants in containers, one can establish distinct zones and tiers of interest while benefiting from portability and the ability to regulate soil and water conditions. Pots, potting soil, seeds or seedlings, fertilizer, and a watering can are required to get started. Additionally, recycled materials can be used to create inventive containers. 
  • Vertical gardening is a compact way for tenants to accent their walls with greenery. It entails cultivating plants atop vertical elements like fences, trellises, and hanging planters. While saving floor space, establishing a living wall, and enhancing air quality, a variety of plants can be cultivated. Keeping up with plants and securely fastening structures are challenges. Attaching structures to walls requires instruments such as screws, nails, or brackets, in addition to materials such as fabric, metal, wood, or metal. 

Challenges and Solutions for Gardening and Landscaping in Rental Properties 

Some challenges that homeowners do not have, like space constraints, lease restrictions, and maintenance expenses, may be faced by renters. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, they are surmountable with the aid of certain solutions. 

  • Limited space: Limited outdoor space may necessitate the use of containers or vertical gardening. Seek out local community gardens where you can rent a space to cultivate your own vegetables. 
  • Landlord restrictions: Prior to planting or landscaping, check with your landlord. Be willing to negotiate and obtain written permission. 
  • Maintenance costs: By selecting native, low-maintenance plants, using homemade and organic fertilizers and pesticides, and pooling tools and resources with other gardeners, you can reduce the cost of gardening and landscaping. 

Finding and Negotiating with Landlords Who Are Open to Gardening and Landscaping 

Gardening and landscaping enthusiasts who rent their properties should conduct research and consult with their landlords prior to implementing any alterations. Due to strict regulations or provisions in rental agreements, some landlords might not permit it. 

  • Search for rental properties with gardening and landscaping as a feature. Use amenities, keywords, or preferences to narrow down your search on internet platforms. Inspect property descriptions or photos for indications of gardens or landscapes. 
  • Before signing a lease or moving in, inquire with your landlord regarding their gardening and landscaping regulations and expectations. To prevent future disputes, look over any clauses in the lease that address yard maintenance and obtain written consent. 
  • Compromise with your landlord ought to not completely obstruct your gardening endeavors. Limit your gardening to certain areas or offer to pay for a gardener. Give examples of how your gardening can raise the value of their property. 

Best Practices and Tips for Gardening and Landscaping in Rental Properties 

Although it can be a financially rewarding and pleasurable pastime, gardening and landscaping in rental properties also demand careful attention to detail. Adhere to some gardening and landscaping best practices and advice for rental properties in order to optimize your outdoor space and prevent conflicts with your landlord or neighbors. 

  • Select vegetation that is appropriate for the climate, soil, and lighting conditions of your rental property. To find and choose plants that suit your tastes and will flourish in your region, you can make use of apps or online tools. 
  • When gardening and landscaping, use natural, sustainable techniques like mulching, composting, sparingly watering, and staying away from chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Money savings, waste reduction, and environmental protection will all result from this. 
  • Think of a theme or personal style for your landscaping and gardening, such as a Zen retreat, a tropical oasis, or a cottage garden. Personality can be expressed and an inviting space created through the use of hues, textures, forms, and embellishments. 

For renters and homeowners who wish to reap the advantages of being green-thumb enthusiasts, gardening and landscaping are ideal. You can improve your financial situation, increase the desirability of your home, and exercise your individuality and sense of fashion by implementing the suggestions we provide. You can find something that suits your preferences and needs, whether you have an outdoor space of no balcony, patio, or backyard. 

Real Property Management Success should be contacted regarding all of your rental matters. In and around the Dartmouth area, we have a large selection of rental properties available. Contact us today online or browse our available rental listings to find your dream home!

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details