Your garden and gardening

Our shared garden rules

• Check first

  Please speak to your Neighbourhood Officer before making any changes to the garden. They’ll let you know what’s okay and what’s not.

• Keep it nice for everyone

  The garden should be safe, clean and welcoming. Work together with neighbours to look after it.

• What you can do

  These are usually fine, but please check some of them with us first:

  • Foldable garden furniture (must be kept in good condition and moved off grass after use)
  • Small paddling pools (2–3ft only, supervised, and emptied after use)
  • Children’s slides (must be foldable and supervised)
  • Small number of planters and pots near your front door (as long as they don’t block access and the door is just used by you)
  • Simple gardening jobs, like deadheading, weeding or tidying borders but only with plants you’ve had permission to put in (these plants are your responsibility to look after)
  • One small hanging basket near your front door (not on shared walkways)
  • Small storage box (location to be agreed with Housing Officer – no hard base)
  • Rotary clothes lines (must be folded down when not in use)
  • Small, safe items near your front door (like flat number signs or letterboxes) as long as your door doesn’t open into a communal space
  • All personal items must be kept in good condition. Unsafe or damaged items may be removed, and residents may be charged for removal.

• What you can't do

  To keep shared spaces safe and fair for everyone, please don’t:

  • Let pets foul the garden – please clean up after them and keep dogs on a lead
  • Use BBQs, fire pits, bonfires or patio heaters (unless a brick BBQ already exists)
  • Leave large items like trampolines or play equipment that can’t be stored
  • Install ponds, fences, sheds, flowerbeds or plant trees without permission
  • Feed wildlife or leave food waste outside
  • Park or drive vehicles on grassed areas (unless in a designated car park)
  • Fix bird boxes or feeders to trees or walls
  • Do anything that could put other residents at risk
  • Use e-scooters, skateboards or bikes in communal areas
  • Smoke in indoor communal areas and always put out cigarettes safely outdoors
  • Use or carry illegal drugs in communal gardens or anywhere on the premises
  • Play loud music or make noise that disturbs your neighbours, especially after 11pm
  • Please don’t leave rubbish or personal belongings in shared spaces. If something needs removing, contact us. Items left will be removed and you may be charged.

• Supporting residents with disabilities

  We may be able to make adjustments, like adding a ramp, to help residents with mobility needs. Please don’t make changes yourself, just ask us and we’ll talk it through.

• Need help or have a request?

  We’re here to support you. If you’d like to:

  • Ask for permission
  • Report something unsafe
  • Request help removing rubbish

  Get in touch with your Neighbourhood Officer or Leasehold Officer, or contact us.