Looking after your garden

Looking after your garden is part of your tenancy contract. 

It's important to make sure you cut your grass, trim the hedges, and keep your gardens free of any litter. 

If you are struggling to maintain your garden, please get in touch with our teams who can look for a solution. You can call them on 0300 303 9848 or email enquiries@wvht.co.uk.

Questions about your garden maintenance

Why do we have a garden maintenance standard?

Your tenancy agreement states that you are responsible for maintaining your garden. This includes cutting the grass and keeping the area tidy and well‑maintained.

What counts as an untidy garden?

A garden is considered untidy when any of the following apply:

  • The grass is long or overgrown
  • There are many weeds or overgrown shrubs (especially if they block paths or boundaries)
  • Litter is present
  • Household items are left in the garden or piled in an alleyway
  • There is a build‑up of animal faeces
  • Fences or gates are damaged
  • Sheds or other structures are in disrepair
  • Broken children’s toys or play equipment are left outside
  • Vehicles are parked or stored inappropriately in the garden
Where am I allowed to park vehicles?
  • Cars must be parked on your drive or on a paved/concrete area.
  • Large vehicles (e.g., campervans, caravans, commercial vehicles) must only be kept in a designated parking space, and you must request written permission before parking them.
  • All vehicles must be parked responsibly and must not cause nuisance or obstruction to others.
How should I maintain the grass?
  • Grass should be kept to a reasonable length and must not become overgrown.
  • Do not attempt to treat or remove invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, contact us for advice.
  • Grassed areas should not be damaged or worn through misuse, including unauthorised vehicle parking.
What are my responsibilities for hedges?
  • Hedges must be kept within the limits set out in your tenancy agreement.
  • Each neighbour is responsible for the maintenance of their own side.
  • If your hedge leans over a footpath, you must maintain both sides, including removing clippings and keeping the path clear.
What am I allowed to do with trees?
  • You must ask us for advice and permission before planting or removing trees, hedges, or shrubs.
  • If you believe a tree is dangerous, please contact us.
  • You are expected to carry out low‑level maintenance to ensure trees don’t cause nuisance, damage, or danger, for example, branches overhanging a neighbour’s garden or a public footpath.
How should I manage household waste and recycling?
  • Bin bags or rubbish must not be left to accumulate in the garden.
  • Bins must be presented correctly for collection on your bin day.
How should animal faeces be managed?

Animal faeces must be cleared daily and disposed of appropriately.