Garden maintenance
Garden responsibilities
Private Gardens
It’s your responsibility to keep your private garden areas tidy and maintained. This includes but is not limited to:
- grass
- trees
- plants
- bushes
- hedges
Trees, bushes and Hedges
You must not let any hedge or shrub grow more than two metres high, overhang pavements, cause obstruction or interfere with your neighbour's garden
You must not remove trees or hedges without getting our permission first
If you’re struggling or unable to manage your garden, we may be able to help. Either through our paid Garden Maintenance Scheme or by offering alternative support, depending on your requirements and eligibility.
Communal Gardens
We will maintain communal gardens throughout the year – which includes the grass, shrubs, hedges, trees and control any weeds. We will also ensure any areas such as paths and drying areas are safe from any defects, as part of our Well Managed Highways.
You must keep any communal garden area outside the property clean, tidy and free from rubbish or furniture at all times.
Garden maintenance scheme
If you’re struggling or unable to manage your garden, we may be able to help through our Garden Mainenance Scheme.
To join the Garden Maintenance Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
- You hold a current tenancy with Derby City Council or Derby Homes,
- You are in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or legacy Disability Living Allowance
- You do not have an able-bodied person of working age living with you (someone who is over 18 but has not reached the state pension age)
Changes your tenancy conditions
If you join the scheme, your tenancy conditions will change to show that Derby Homes accepts the responsibility for garden maintenance and that you will incur a service charge for the service. Once you’ve joined, you cannot leave the scheme and will remain on it for the duration of your tenancy.
Work included on the scheme
- grass cutting
- border maintenance
- hedge cutting
- rose pruning
- weed killing
Frequency of visits
We aim to visit every three weeks between April and October to carry out the work. Hedge cutting work may take place outside of this period.
Costs and payment
The cost for the service is currently £5.98 per week (as of April 2022) and will be added to your rent. The charge is increased annually at a level decided by Derby City Council.
Housing benefit
The charge is currently eligible to be covered by housing benefit, however this cannot be guaranteed indefinitely. You would become responsible for paying if the service charge was no longer eligible or if your eligibility for housing benefit ended.
Universal Credit
This service charge is not eligible to be covered by Universal Credit. You would need to pay for the service yourself if you are already receiving Universal Credit or if you switch from housing benefit to Universal Credit.
Due to the popularity of the scheme, you may be placed on a waiting list. We’ll let you know as soon as you’re accepted.