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 enjoys gardening but finds it difficult to follow your hobby because of a lack of space, limitations from your landlord, or expensive upkeep? You’re not alone. In spite of your living situation, this article will provide advice and suggestions for cultivating a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing garden. Make your rental property feel more like home, when you garden and landscape. These are also cost-effective activities that can improve your mental health. 

Types of Gardening and Landscaping Options for Renters 

As a renter who enjoys gardening and landscaping, first determine which option best fits your space and budget. Practical and widely used alternatives for renters include the following: 

  • Container gardening is a multifunctional method of gardening in a rental property. Numerous plants can be grown in containers, offering advantages like movability and control over soil and water conditions as well as the ability to create different levels and areas of interest. Pots, potting soil, seeds or seedlings, fertilizer, and a watering can are required to get started. Recycled materials can also be utilized to fashion inventive containers. 
  • Vertical gardening is a space-efficient method of adorning walls with vegetation for renters. It entails cultivating vegetation atop vertical frameworks such as trellises, fences, or suspended planters. You can cultivate a variety of plants, make a living wall, conserve floor space, and enhance the quality of the air. Difficulties consist of safely securing structures and maintaining vegetation. To affix structures to walls, you will require hardware such as nails, screws, or brackets and materials such as fabric, metal, wood, or metal. 

Challenges and Solutions for Gardening and Landscaping in Rental Properties 

Certain challenges, like space constraints, landlord restrictions, and maintenance costs, may be unique to renters and not homeowners. These difficulties are manageable, though, and there are a few ways to get past them. 

  • Limited space: If you don’t have much outdoor space, think about container or vertical gardening. To cultivate your own plants, look for community gardens in your neighborhood where you can rent a plot. 
  • Landlord restrictions: Prior to planting or landscaping, check with your landlord. Obtain written consent and be ready to compromise. 
  • Maintenance costs: Use organic and homemade fertilizers and pesticides, share tools and resources with other gardeners, and select low-maintenance native plants to save money on gardening and landscaping. 

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

When making improvements to their rental property, tenants who like landscaping and gardening should consult with their landlords. Rent agreements or strict rules may prevent some landlords from allowing it. 

  • Search for rental properties with gardening and landscaping as a feature. To narrow down your search results, use online platforms to add keywords, amenities, or preferences. In property descriptions and images, search for indications of gardens or landscapes. 
  • Before signing a lease or moving in, find out from your landlord what their standards are for landscaping and gardening. To prevent future disputes, look over the lease for any provisions pertaining to yard maintenance and obtain written consent. 
  • Compromise with your landlord should they fail to entirely endorse your gardening endeavors. Decide what areas you want to garden in or offer to pay for a gardener. You may also share how your gardening expertise can increase 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. To optimize your outdoor space and prevent disputes with your landlord or neighbors, it is advisable to adhere to certain gardening and landscaping best practices and recommendations for rental properties. 

  • Select plants that are appropriate for the soil, climate, and lighting 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. 
  • For gardening and landscaping, employ organic and environmentally sustainable practices that include composting, mulching, conserving water, and refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This will contribute to waste reduction, environmental protection, and cost savings. 
  • Develop a personal aesthetic and overarching concept for your landscaping and gardening endeavors, such as a Zen retreat, a tropical oasis, or a cottage garden. You can express your individuality and create a warm and welcoming space by utilizing accessories, colors, textures, and shapes. 

Landscaping and gardening are activities for renters and homeowners who desire to experience the advantages and benefits of possessing a green thumb. You can improve your mental health, save money, increase the curb appeal of your property, and express your individuality and sense of style by implementing our recommendations. You’re sure to find something that meets your needs and tastes, regardless of whether you have an outdoor space—a backyard, a patio, or none at all. 

For all of your rental-related inquiries, we recommend contacting Real Property Management Accurate Solutions. An extensive selection of rental properties is available, spanning from Winona and beyond. 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