Why July Is the Perfect Time for Landlords to Refresh Outdoor Spaces

Each summer, student move-out season brings a familiar flurry of activity for landlords and property managers. Between chasing up keys, conducting inventories, and preparing properties for the next wave of tenants, outdoor maintenance can quickly slide to the bottom of the list.

But here’s the truth: your garden is one of your property’s most powerful first impressions — and right now is the best time to make it count.

Whether you manage a single student house in Loughborough or a portfolio of HMOs across Barrow, Quorn, and the wider Charnwood area, keeping outdoor spaces tidy, functional, and attractive is more than just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a tenant magnet — and a retention tool.

At MOF Gardens, we specialise in fast, professional garden resets tailored for landlords and property managers. Let’s explore why this matters, what’s included in our service, and how we can help take one more thing off your ever-growing to-do list.

The Summer Turnaround Pressure is Real

Every July, as students pack up and move on, landlords across the region are left to deal with the aftermath. While some tenants are considerate, others leave gardens overgrown, weedy, and completely neglected.

This is especially true for:

• Student lets: where outdoor upkeep is rarely a priority

• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): where shared responsibility often means no one takes it on

• Mid-year vacated properties: where a few months of inattention lead to rapid decline

With only a short window between move-outs and new tenancies beginning, landlords face a crunch period. Getting the garden sorted quickly — and professionally — makes all the difference to how prospective tenants perceive the property.

First Impressions Happen Outside

Imagine a potential tenant arriving for a viewing. Before they’ve even stepped inside, they’ve already made a judgment based on:

• Whether the lawn is overgrown or neatly trimmed

• If the pathway is clear or blocked with weeds

• How tidy and usable the patio or outdoor area looks

• The general sense of how well the property is looked after

An attractive garden adds perceived value, especially for student tenants with parents in tow, or young professionals browsing a competitive rental market. It suggests a landlord who cares about upkeep, and a property worth paying for.

Plus, outdoor spaces are now a key decision factor for many renters post-pandemic. With more people working from home, outdoor areas aren’t just aesthetic — they’re an extension of living space.

What’s Typically Left Behind

From our years of experience working with student lets and rental properties, here are the most common outdoor issues we see in July:

• Lawn neglect: overgrown, patchy, or scorched from abandoned paddling pools

• Weedy borders: often left to run wild during the summer term

• Overgrown hedges: which may block windows, paths, or even signage

• Clutter: broken furniture, rubbish, or leftover garden tools

• Mossy patios and slippery decking: especially after months of low maintenance

Most of these issues are cosmetic but hugely impactful in how a property is perceived, and can be fixed quickly with the right tools and expertise.

The MOF Gardens Solution: Fast, No-Fuss Garden Resets

Our garden reset service is designed with landlords and property managers in mind. We understand the time pressures, tenant expectations, and standards required — especially for student lets, managed blocks, and HMOs.

Here’s what our typical turnaround package includes:

✅ Weed Clearing

We remove all visible weeds from garden beds, paths, patios, and driveways. We can also apply preventative treatments if requested.

✅ Path & Drive Tidying

Sweeping, leaf blowing, weed removal, and debris clearing — so your front approach is spotless.

✅ Patio Jet Washing

We restore patios and paving with high-powered jet washing, removing moss, algae, and grime for a clean, safe, and presentable finish.

✅ Lawn Edges Reset

Mown, defined lawn edges give an instant visual boost. We can also provide optional grass cutting or reseeding advice if needed.

✅ Hedges Trimmed

Overgrown hedges and shrubs are neatly cut back, improving light, visibility, and tidiness.

And if there’s any rubbish left behind, we can arrange for responsible disposal, too.

Book Your Garden Reset Today

We know this is a busy time of year, and your priority is quickly getting your property ready. Let us take the outdoor work off your list.

Whether you’re prepping for a viewing, a handover, or just need a post-move-out refresh, we’re here to help.

👉 Contact us to get a quick, no-obligation quote, here.