The following summarises the key elements of the Hounslow Allotments Tenancy Agreement. Always refer to the Tenancy Agreement itself for the definitive conditions.

Tenancy Agreement

When you sign the Allotment Tenancy Agreement you are taking on a legal commitment with Hounslow Council to comply with all the conditions. Failure to do so could result in your tenancy being terminated. You may also become liable to pay compensation to cover the cost of repairing any damage to the allotment. Make sure you are familiar with the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement and take action appropriately.

Allotment Number

To avoid confusion, ensure that the number of your plot is clearly displayed on your plot, otherwise a new tenant may take over your allotment by mistake.

Cultivation

The primary purpose of allotments is to grow vegetables and fruit for your own use. Provided you do this, you may also grow flowers and have a small uncultivated area with plants to attract wildlife.

If at any time you feel that you cannot cope with cultivating your allotment, don't let it become overgrown and spread weeds onto other allotments.   Discuss the situation with your Site Representative or the Lettings Officer before it gets too bad - it may be possible to make alternative arrangements.

Trees

Small fruit trees can be grown provided you first obtain permission from the Council and they are not allowed to grow over 2.4 metres (8 feet) high or overshadow other allotments. You are not allowed to grow other trees on an allotment because they cast shadow and take goodness from the soil.

Sheds, Greenhouses and Polytunnels

You must obtain permission from the Council to put a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel on your allotment. If permission is granted sheds must not exceed 1.85 metres x 1.25 metres x 2.00 metres high (6 feet x 4 feet x 6 feet 6 inches high) and greenhouses/polytunnels must not exceed 1.85 metres x 2.50 metres x 2.00 metres high (6 feet x 8 feet x 6 feet 6 inches high) and should be sited so they that do not cause shadows on adjacent allotments.

Livestock

You must have permission from the Council to keep poultry, rabbits or beehives on your allotment.

Paths

You are responsible for keeping the surrounding paths trimmed and at least two feet wide to allow for easy access for all allotment holders.

Water

Communal water taps and tanks are provided for the use of all allotment holders. You are not allowed to water your allotment using hosepipes or sprinklers.

Bonfires

Hounslow Council does not allow bonfires – you could face a fine as well as losing your allotment if you burn rubbish.

Rubbish

You should not accumulate rubbish on your plot or dump it elsewhere on the site -this is fly-tipping and a large fine could be imposed. You should always compost as much green waste as possible.

Ponds

Before installing a pond you must obtain permission from the Council and be aware of the safety issues.

Security

Please lock the entrance gate both on entry and exit.  If at any time you feel unsafe on the allotment, let the Police and the Lettings Officer know of your concerns. Tenants have a duty of care to each other.

Access

Do not walk, or let your children play, on other people’s allotments without their permission. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

Disputes

If you have a dispute with another tenant and you cannot resolve it amicably, either speak to your Site Representative or to the Lettings Officer.