Whether you prefer small succulents or flower beds, plants can liven up your home and give your space a more polished look. With summer around the corner, now’s the time to plant marigolds, zinnias, cucumbers, and herbs. If you’re a renter with a knack for gardening, you may be wondering if you can sow some seeds in your rental without losing your security deposit.
Can You Garden in a Rental?
The short answer: It depends. Contact your landlord and HOA board with a description of the garden you want to plant and a plan for upkeeping your garden. If you take care of your garden, your green thumb could be a win for everyone by increasing the property’s curb appeal.
Check your lease
Generally, you’re not allowed to make permanent changes to a rental. Whether an in-ground garden counts as a permanent change to the landscaping depends on your lease. Read your lease and talk with your landlord before you start digging to avoid incurring fees.
Check your HOA regulations
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you may have some rules to follow. Many HOAs have regulations around the size and types of gardens you can plant, particularly in front yards. In addition to talking with your landlord, check your HOA bylaws to avoid violation fines.
Be prepared to have an open conversation with your landlord and HOA board. A landlord’s main concern is property damage, and HOAs ensure that a neighborhood stays looking beautiful. If you address both concerns up front, you’re more likely to get the green light. If not, you may be able to compromise on small potted plants or a container garden.
Two Easy Ways to Garden in a Rental Home
Planting an in-ground garden can be dicey. You’ll need permission from your landlord and your HOA, and you may be responsible for digging it up and putting down sod when you move out.
Containers and pots are the best options for renters who want to garden. They’re portable and, most importantly, don’t require you to alter the landscape of your rental. If your landlord and HOA board will not allow you to garden in your front or back yard, potted plants and container gardens are compact enough to fit on a
patio or balcony.
Potted plants
If you want to grow flowers and herbs, potted plants will do the trick. Planters are a great option for small spaces and for herbs that should be planted alone, like mint and oregano.
Planters also offer another way to express your style. They come in many different shapes, colors, and patterns, giving you an extra opportunity to showcase your personal style.
Container garden
If the plants you want to grow require a little more space,
container gardening is a great option. Container gardening utilizes raised garden beds made from wood or galvanized steel to make a compact garden small enough to fit on your back patio, but big enough to retain water.
Garden beds come in different sizes, but most are 8 feet long and 2 feet wide. This allows for a small fruit and vegetable garden so you can enjoy fresh produce you grew yourself.
Find Your Place with ForRent.com
Find your new home with ForRent.com! Whether you’re looking for a spacious front yard or a sunny balcony, we make it easy to find the perfect place to plant your garden. Once you find your new home, check out our
other blog posts to learn how to transform your space.
