Garden maintenance for landlords and rental properties in the Netherlands
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
Under Dutch rental law, the tenant is responsible for day-to-day garden maintenance (mowing, weeding, hedge trimming), while the landlord remains responsible for structural elements such as large trees, fencing and paving. In practice, tenant-maintained gardens are the number one deterioration issue in rentals. We offer landlords and property managers a fixed-price solution: scheduled maintenance with photo reports, and turnkey garden resets between tenancies.
Who is responsible for what in a Dutch rental garden?
| Task | Responsible | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing, weeding, hedge trimming, minor pruning | Tenant | "Minor repairs" decree (Besluit kleine herstellingen) |
| Maintaining the garden to its delivered state | Tenant | Standard lease obligation |
| Large tree pruning and felling (incl. permits) | Landlord | Structural / beyond minor repairs |
| Fences, sheds, paving repairs | Landlord | Structural maintenance |
The practical problem: many tenants — especially internationals unfamiliar with fast-growing Dutch gardens — underestimate the work, and by the end of a tenancy the garden costs more to restore than years of maintenance would have. Building a garden service into the rent solves this permanently.
What do we offer landlords and property managers?
- Maintenance subscription per property: visits every 4 to 6 weeks in season, fixed yearly price, invoiced to you or the tenant as agreed.
- Photo report after every visit — you see the state of the garden without site visits, and you have documentation for deposit discussions.
- Turnkey reset between tenancies: we restore an overgrown garden to hand-over standard in 1 to 2 days, typically €300 to €800 depending on the backlog.
- Direct coordination with tenants in Dutch or English — no translation work for you.
- Multiple properties: we serve several rental homes for property managers in the Haarlemmermeer–Haarlem–Amstelveen area on a single agreement and invoice.
Why does a maintained garden pay for itself?
- Deposit disputes disappear: a documented, professionally maintained garden removes the single most common end-of-tenancy argument.
- Faster re-letting: listing photos with a neat garden rent measurably faster — the garden is the first thing viewers see.
- No restoration surprises: a two-year neglected garden easily costs €800 to €1,500 to restore; a yearly subscription is a fraction of that.
- Legal peace of mind: tree maintenance and felling permits (a landlord responsibility) are handled proactively instead of after storm damage.
Request a quote for one property or a portfolio via the form below — we respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge the garden service to my tenant?
Yes, garden maintenance can be included in the service costs (servicekosten) if agreed in the lease, since it replaces work the tenant would legally have to do. Many landlords prefer this: the garden stays maintained, and the cost is transparent. We can invoice either party.
My tenants left the garden a mess — what does a reset cost?
A turnkey garden reset — clearing overgrowth, pruning, lawn recovery, weeding and green waste removal — costs typically €300 to €800 for an average garden and takes 1 to 2 days. You receive before/after photos, useful for deposit settlement.
Do you work with property managers and relocation agencies?
Yes. We maintain gardens for multiple rental properties under one agreement, coordinate directly with tenants in English or Dutch, and provide photo reporting per visit. One contact, one invoice, all properties in the Haarlemmermeer, Haarlem, Heemstede, Amstelveen and Aalsmeer area.
Who arranges the permit if a tree at my rental needs felling?
That is landlord territory — tenants cannot apply for a felling permit for a tree they do not own. We check the municipal rules, handle the permit application and carry out the work, so you only sign off on the quote. See our tree felling permit guide for the rules per municipality.
Hovenier Hoofddorp is your gardener for the greater Amsterdam area — from garden landscaping and garden maintenance to premium villa gardens with pools, nationwide. Fixed prices, reply within 24 hours.
Rather leave it to us? Request a quote.
We are happy to visit you for honest advice and a clear price. No hassle — just a well-kept garden, with everything explained in English.
Fast Response
We always respond within 24 hours, so you quickly know where you stand.
Professional Results
We work neatly and always leave your garden tidy. A deal is a deal.