Tenancy Garden Maintenance in Tauranga: A Legal-Backed Guide for Landlords

Maintaining outdoor areas is one of the most common sources of conflict between landlords and tenants. In Tauranga, tenancy garden maintenance is not only about presentation but also about compliance with national law and local council requirements. A clear understanding of responsibilities and the ability to write them into tenancy agreements protects rental value and reduces Tribunal risk.

Key Takeaways:

• Tenants handle routine mowing, edging, and weeding unless agreed otherwise.

• Landlords must arrange for arborists for large trees, hedges, or risky work.

• Berms are council land, but landlords often assign mowing to tenants.

• Protected and Council trees require formal consent before pruning or removal.

• Regular inspections and photo logs help prevent costly maintenance disputes.

Legal rules for landlords in Tauranga

Landlords in Tauranga must balance national tenancy law with local council rules to manage gardens correctly.

Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (National law)

• Tenants must keep premises “reasonably clean and tidy.” This includes mowing lawns and weeding gardens unless the agreement says otherwise.

• Written consent is required before tenants prune or remove trees, shrubs, or hedges. Any cuttings they create must be disposed of.

• Landlords must provide a safe, compliant property and cover specialist or hazardous work such as tree pruning near power lines.

Tauranga city council rules

• Berms: Berms are council-owned, but Tauranga residents are encouraged to mow them. The Council only steps in when the grass exceeds about 300 mm. Many landlords assign berm mowing to tenants in their tenancy agreements.

• Protected trees: Trees on the Notable Trees Register require resource consent before removal or significant pruning. Always check the LIM report.

• Council trees: Any work affecting Council trees requires prior Asset Owner Approval from the Urban Forest team.

• Bylaw enforcement: Encroaching vegetation onto footpaths or roads can trigger enforcement under public places bylaws.

Garden upkeep also supports wider housing standards, tying into Healthy Homes compliance in Tauranga, where landlords must ensure safe and liveable environments.

Other frameworks landlords must consider

• Neighbour disputes: The Property Law Act 2007 (ss 332–338) allows courts to order trimming or removal of trees if they cause interference or danger.

• Unit titles: Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, the body corporate manages shared gardens. Landlords must ensure tenants comply with operational rules.

Best practices for tenancy agreements in Tauranga

To keep gardens in good condition, tenancy agreements should specifically cover outdoor responsibilities. Clear clauses prevent misunderstandings and set enforceable standards. Landlords in Tauranga should include:

• Who mows lawns and trims edges.

• How often maintenance must occur (e.g. fortnightly mowing in summer).

• Who is responsible for berm mowing, given the Council’s limited involvement.

• Which tasks require professional help, such as arborist work or large hedge trimming.

• Rules around altering or removing plants.

It is also recommended to require written permission before tenants cut down trees, plant shrubs, or redesign outdoor spaces. This protects your investment and avoids disputes over permanent changes.

Tip for landlords: Regular communication helps enforce these duties. Use routine inspections to remind tenants of their obligations. If the garden becomes unmanageable, step in early with either support or professional services.

For deeper insights on drafting strong tenancy agreements and managing outdoor responsibilities, landlords can refer to this guide on property management in Tauranga.

Responsibilities matrix landlords can rely on

Common mistakes Tauranga landlords should avoid

Even experienced landlords in Tauranga can make errors when managing garden responsibilities.

• Leaving duties vague. Phrases like “keep tidy” are too open to interpretation.

• Expecting tenants to do unsafe jobs. Tree climbing, hedge topping, or stump removal must stay with the landlord.

• Ignoring berm mowing. Overgrown berms lower property appeal and attract neighbour complaints.

• Failing to check protected trees. Unauthorised work on notable trees risks fines and legal issues.

• Neglecting inspections. By the time you notice overgrowth, it may cost more to fix than if caught earlier.

Landlords wanting ongoing updates on Tauranga property responsibilities can explore the Staircase Tauranga blog for practical guidance.

Clear expectations for tenancy garden maintenance in Tauranga

For landlords, clear rules around tenancy garden maintenance protect both the property and the relationship with tenants. Everyday tasks such as mowing and weeding belong with the tenant, but you remain responsible for specialist work, approvals, and any interaction with Tauranga City Council regarding berms or protected trees.

By including detailed garden clauses in tenancy agreements and combining them with proactive inspections, landlords in Tauranga secure their investment, avoid legal disputes, and maintain properties that attract long-term tenants.

Need help implementing airtight tenancy clauses or sourcing trusted contractors? Contact Staircase Tauranga today.