Derby Homes

You are responsible for keeping any private garden areas tidy and maintained. This is a condition of your tenancy.

If you are struggling or unable to manage your garden we may be able to help, either through our paid Garden Maintenance Scheme or by offering you some alternative support, depending on your requirements and eligibility.

If you need help with your garden

If are struggling to maintain your garden or think you qualify for the Garden Maintenance Scheme and would like to apply, just contact us. 

Garden Maintenance Scheme

You qualify to join the Garden Maintenance Scheme if you are:

• in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or legacy Disability Living Allowance

and

• you do not have an able-bodied person of working age living with you (someone who is over 18 but has not reached the state pension age)

If you join the scheme, your tenancy conditions will change to show that “Derby Homes accepts the responsibility for garden maintenance, and you will incur a service charge for the service.” Once you’ve opted in, you cannot leave the scheme and will remain on it for the duration of your tenancy.

What work is carried out on the scheme?

Work includes:

• grass cutting
• border maintenance
• hedge cutting
• rose pruning
• weed killing

We aim to visit every two weeks between April and October to carry out the work. Hedge cutting work may take place outside of this period.

How much does it cost?

If you join the scheme, a weekly service charge will be added to your rent. The cost for the service is currently £5.50 per week. From April 2020 this will increase to £5.63 per week. The charge is increased annually at a level decided by Derby City Council.

The charge is currently eligible to be covered by Housing Benefit, however this cannot be guaranteed indefinitely. You would become responsible for paying if the service charge was no longer eligible or if your eligibility for Housing Benefit ended.

This service charge is not eligible to be covered by Universal Credit. You would need to pay for the service yourself if you are already receiving Universal Credit or if you switch from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit.

Due to the popularity of the scheme, you may be placed on a waiting list. We’ll let you know as soon as you’re accepted.