Looking after your garden

Keeping your garden neat and tidy is part of your Tenancy Agreement. Many tenants take great pride in their gardens, but we understand that not everyone has green fingers. The guidance below explains what we expect if your home has a garden.

• You are responsible for keeping your garden neat and tidy. Please do not store furniture or large appliances in the garden area and do not allow rubbish to build up.
• You must not put up a greenhouse, garage or shed near the property without our written permission. We may withdraw this permission if the building becomes unsafe or causes a nuisance. Some structures of this type may require planning permission and/or building regulations approval, which is your responsibility to obtain.
• If you want to build a fish pond, swimming pool or water feature in your garden you will need our written permission. Please note that you may have to remove these at your own expense when you end your tenancy (we will charge you if we have to do it).
• You must not remove, alter or replace any fence at your home without our permission.
• Please do not plant large types of tree in your garden, for example leylandii, conifers, willow, oak and so on. Their roots can damage the structure of your home.

Getting help managing your garden

If you are struggling to manage your garden, get in touch with your local housing team.

They will be able to advise you if any help is available. Alternatively, you may wish to consider moving to a home without a garden - again we can help you with doing this.

Garden competition

Each year, we team up with the Dover District Tenants' Consultative Group (DDTCG) to celebrate the creativity, passion and hard work of our community’s green‑fingered superstars.

• Find out more about our annual garden competion

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