Renting a flat in a block of flats with a garden – a benefit or a source of problems? Costs, privacy and responsibilities

A flat with a garden It very often catches the eye right from the moment you’re browsing the listings. A photo of a green space, a terrace, or a spot for a table, a sun lounger or children’s toys captures the imagination far more effectively than a standard balcony. For many tenants, this is a taste of home, particularly if the property is located in Gdańsk, Gdynia or Sopot, where access to one’s own outdoor space can be a major advantage.

My name is Rafał Radomski and, having run my own estate agency for years, I know that flat with a garden to let It can be very appealing to families with children, dog owners and people who work from home. At the same time, such a property requires careful consideration. A garden offers comfort, but it also comes with responsibilities, costs, less privacy and the rules of the residents’ association.

In this article, I explain when flat to let with a garden it will be a real advantage, and when it might prove to be a source of problems. It’s worth checking not only the size of the property, but also the location of the garden, the tenant’s responsibilities, the rent, and whether such a space suits your lifestyle. Please read on.

Why do flats with gardens attract tenants?

The biggest advantage of a flat with a garden is the extra space. Tenants gain a place to relax, play with their children, have a coffee, work on their laptop or take the dog for a quick walk without having to leave the estate. This is particularly important for families who want to live in a block of flats but are also looking for a touch of the freedom associated with a detached house.

A well-situated garden can enhance your quality of life. It brings you into contact with nature, provides more light and offers the chance to create a private space for relaxation. Generally speaking, properties like this tend to attract tenants’ attention more quickly than flats on higher floors without a balcony.

From the owner’s point of view a flat with a garden e.g. in Gdańsk or Gdynia it may be more competitive on the rental market. The additional outdoor space makes the property more attractive, especially if it is situated in a quiet residential area, away from a busy pavement, car park or playground.

Extra space that’s lacking in a standard flat

A small garden next to a flat can’t replace a full-sized plot, but it can significantly improve day-to-day life. For a family with children, it’s a place for a small paddling pool, toys or a picnic on the grass. For a dog owner, it’s a convenience, although it doesn’t replace regular walks.

Tenants who work remotely often appreciate the chance to take their computer out into the fresh air. During the spring and summer months, such a space can serve as an extra „room”. Provided, of course, that the garden is well-maintained, well-sheltered and not situated directly next to a busy pedestrian thoroughfare.

Costs and responsibilities – what do tenants often forget?

A garden looks good in photos, but it requires maintenance. You have to water the plants, mow the lawn, clear away leaves, keep it tidy and deal with minor damage. If the tenant doesn’t have the time or is often away, the garden can quickly become a chore rather than a pleasure.

When renting, it is worth clearly establishing who is responsible for:

• lawn mowing,
• watering plants,
• pruning shrubs,
• tidying up the garden,
• repairs to fences, gates or street furniture,
• any damage caused by children or pets,
• compliance with the community guidelines.

It is also important to bear in mind that flat with a garden to let may command a higher rent than a similar property without outdoor space. Landlords often regard a garden as an added bonus, just like a parking space, a storage room or a large terrace. I’ve noticed that tenants are willing to accept a higher rent if the garden is genuinely usable, rather than merely symbolic.

Privacy and potential issues with a flat with a garden

Privacy can often be the biggest disappointment. The communal garden in a block of flats is frequently situated beneath the balconies of neighbours on the upper floors. This means that someone might be able to see your table, sun loungers, toys, dog, and sometimes even your entire home life unfolding outside. Not everyone minds this, but it’s worth bearing in mind before signing the tenancy agreement.

The location of the garden is also important. I view a space opening onto a quiet patio differently from a garden next to a pavement, car park, playground or the entrance to the block of flats. In the latter case, you have to expect more noise, less privacy and more frequent contact with passers-by.

Other potential problems include:

• mud after the rain,
• damp on the ground floor,
• insects and mosquitoes,
• noise from communal areas,
• the risk of break-ins via the garden,
• restrictions on barbecues, structures or planting,
• more dirt in the flat.

When might a balcony or terrace be a better option?

A balcony or terrace may be a better choice for people who don’t want the hassle of looking after plants. If a tenant travels frequently, works away from home all day or simply can’t be bothered to mow the lawn and water the plants, a garden can quickly become a chore. In that case, a balcony – which requires less work – will be a more convenient option.

A terrace or a larger balcony is also a good choice if privacy is a priority. On higher floors, you usually feel less aware of passers-by and neighbours. This is particularly important for people who want to relax in peace and quiet, rather than living their outdoor life under the watchful eye of the whole estate.

A flat with a garden – advantages and potential challenges

Area	Advantages	Potential problems
Quality of life	extra space to relax	the need to look after green spaces
Children	a place to play outdoors	more cleaning and mud in the flat
Animals	convenience for dog owners	a damaged lawn or the obligation to tidy up
Privacy	your own relaxation area	the view from the upper floors and pavements
Costs	greater appeal of the premises	higher rent
Environment	contact with nature	insects, noise, neighbours, community rules
Security	easy access to the outdoors	a greater risk of someone entering from the garden side
Remote working	the opportunity to work outdoors	less comfortable on a busy patio
Maintenance	the option to customise the layout	the duty to mow, water and tidy up
Location	The ground floor can be convenient for families	greater exposure to moisture and dirt

Who would benefit from renting a flat with a garden?

Flat to let with a garden It works best for people who will actually be using the space. I’m thinking of families with children, dog owners, people who work from home, and tenants who enjoy spending time outdoors. In such cases, a garden can be a major asset, rather than just a bonus mentioned in the advert.

Before renting, however, it’s worth checking three things: the location of the garden, the tenant’s responsibilities, and the provisions of the residents„ association’s rules and regulations. It’s also a good idea to ask the landlord whether you can put out garden furniture, plant pots, a small playhouse for children or a dog run. It’s better to sort this out before signing the tenancy agreement than to find out later that ”the residents’ association won’t allow it’.

At Radomski Nieruchomości, we help clients assess flats not just on the basis of photos, but on their actual functionality. We operate in the property market in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, so we know that a flat with a garden can be an excellent choice, but only if it suits the tenant’s needs and complies with the rules of the specific building.

If you’re looking for a flat with a garden, want to let a property, or are wondering how best to prepare such a property for letting, please visit contact.

+48 783 187 968 (Gdańsk)
+48 884 843 118 (Gdynia)
biuro@radomskinieruchomosci.pl

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. Is a flat with a garden more expensive to rent?

Yes, a flat with a garden often has a higher rent than a similar property without any additional outdoor space. The extent of the difference depends on the location, the size of the garden, the standard of the flat, and whether the garden is genuinely private and usable.

2. Does the tenant have to look after the garden themselves?

This should be clearly set out in the tenancy agreement. In most cases, day-to-day responsibilities such as watering, mowing and keeping the property tidy fall to the tenant, but it is advisable to agree on major repairs with the landlord.

3. Does a flat with a garden offer privacy?

Not always. Privacy depends on the garden’s location in relation to neighbours, pavements, playgrounds, car parks and balconies on higher floors.

4. Is a flat with a garden a good choice for dog owners?

Yes, but provided that the estate regulations and the tenancy agreement allow it. A garden is convenient, but it is no substitute for walks and requires you to keep the lawn clean and well-maintained.

5. When is it better to choose a flat with a balcony rather than a garden?

A balcony is a better option if the tenant travels frequently, doesn’t want to look after plants, or values greater privacy. It’s also a good choice for people who want an outdoor space but don’t want the responsibilities that come with maintaining a garden.