Quelles sont les tâches d’entretien du jardin à la charge du locataire en Suisse ?

As part of the tenant's obligations, garden maintenance is mentioned in the lease contract. It is essential to refer to this document to find out more about the responsibilities and provisions to be complied with when renting accommodation. What maintenance tasks do you have to carry out as a tenant?

The’importance of complying with the provisions of the tenancy agreement

For each party, the lease contract mentions their respective responsibilities and rights. This applies to the landlord as well as the tenant. In this case, the tenant is obliged to carry out the day-to-day maintenance and repairs associated with the property. His responsibilities include the upkeep of the garden and green spaces located on the property.

The concept of garden maintenance also covers driveways, lawns, terraces, balconies and sheds. Other obligations incumbent on the tenant include the upkeep of household equipment. For example, replacing a tap, cleaning living areas. 

The main common garden maintenance tasks

The tenant’s obligation to maintain the garden involves many aspects à to take into account. Among the tâches à réaliser, we can focus on the following work : 

• mowing the lawn ;
• cleaning gutters and drains ;
• pruning shrubs and trees ;
• watering plants and flowers ;
• the repair of gates, railings, fences and barriers;

This is in addition to the collection of fallen leaves and green waste, not to mention the disposal operations. If the owner has one, garden maintenance also covers the upkeep of a pond or swimming pool.

What do you need to know about covering the costs of garden maintenance?

Garden maintenance is therefore an integral part of the tenant's responsibilities. However, any structural work, earthworks or landscaping are the responsibility of the landlord. In order to avoid any disputes, the lease contract must state the respective tasks and obligations of the lessor and the lessee.

With regard to repairs to or replacement of equipment, it is not necessary to terminate the vétust&e; or normal wear and tear. The owner may then change them at his own expense. On the other hand, if the tenant fails to carry out maintenance, he or she is liable. As for the ongoing costs of maintaining the garden, these may include replacing the watering system, purchasing plants or fertilisers.

With practical advice an expertise in Swiss real estate, SherlockHomes informs and accompanies you for all questions related to housing. As a tenant or landlord, you can also take advantage of tailor-made services, such as the generator of an early termination letter, an end-of-tenancy calculator or the ordering of a certificate of non-suit.

This article is not exhaustive and the author accepts no responsibility for it.