A Marketing Term Requiring Deep Skepticism
'Landscaped garden,' or aangelegde tuin, is a classic real estate marketing term that should be viewed with extreme skepticism. It is a subjective phrase with no objective definition, used to make a garden sound more appealing and upscale than it may actually be. In reality, it could mean anything from a genuinely beautiful, architecturally designed space with mature planting and special features, to a simple, tidy patch of lawn with a paved patio and a few flowerbeds. The term is pure fluff. A prospective tenant should completely ignore this descriptor and rely solely on their own in-person inspection of the garden. What one agent calls 'landscaped', another might call 'basic', and another might call 'overgrown'.
The Hidden Burden: Maintenance Obligation
The most critical issue hidden behind the appealing term 'landscaped garden' is the question of maintenance (onderhoud). In the Netherlands, the rental agreement (huurovereenkomst) will specify the tenant's maintenance obligations. For a garden, this can be a significant undertaking. A complex, 'landscaped' garden with elaborate flowerbeds, hedges, a pristine lawn, and a pond can become a massive and expensive burden for a tenant. The contract may require you to maintain the garden to the standard in which you received it. This could mean you are responsible for regular mowing, weeding, pruning hedges, and keeping the space tidy. Failure to do so could result in a claim against your security deposit when you move out. Before you are seduced by a beautiful garden, you must ask a crucial question: Do I have the time, skill, and money to maintain this for the duration of my tenancy? A simple, low-maintenance garden is often a much better and less stressful option for a renter.
Clarifying Expectations in the Lease
To avoid disputes, the lease agreement should be as specific as possible about garden maintenance. The law distinguishes between minor, day-to-day upkeep (the tenant's responsibility) and major structural work or maintenance (the landlord's responsibility). For a garden, this means the tenant is typically responsible for mowing the lawn, weeding, and light pruning. The landlord is responsible for major tree surgery, repairing a broken fence, or dealing with structural elements like a collapsing retaining wall. If a garden requires specialized care (e.g., for specific types of roses or a pond), the contract should state who is responsible for this. Some high-end rentals may even include a gardening service in the rent, but this is rare and should be explicitly stated in the contract.
