If you do not use your plot
The 3-month probationary period
We give every new tenant an initial three-month probationary period during which we would hope to see some evidence that gardening has started on the plot.
As long as we see that you are trying to use and maintain the plot, you should have nothing to worry about. We would like tenants to aim for approximately 25% of the plot to be in use.
If, after three months, there is little evidence of improvement, we will contact you to find out what is happening. Please be aware that this puts your tenancy of the plot at risk of being terminated and the plot being re-let.
The 12-month probationary period
The council expect cultivation to cover 75% of the allotment plot within 12 months of starting the tenancy.
We advise that you manage areas that are not being cropped by mulching with a weed suppressing membrane (not carpet). This will condition the soil for when you are ready to grow crops and will stop weed growth.
Alternatively, you could strim down grass and tall weeds in the non-cropped areas.
Examples of when the council will issue tenancy enforcement letters include: overgrown plots, plots not showing any signs of being used, plots clearly being used as a storage facility for rubbish and excessive material.
Keeping the plot tidy and making obvious attempts to use the plot will ensure the council will not need to contact you regarding the cultivation of the plot.
It is essential that you act on any enforcement letter you receive.
Failing a re-inspection can lead to tenancy termination. If you have mitigating circumstances such as a medical condition then you must let the allotments officer know.
If you are struggling to keep up with the work on your plot
You have three options:
- If you have a larger plot, ask the council if you can reduce the plot size to half a plot (we offer this option as it has been found that a smaller plot size is more manageable for tenants with less time to spare)
- Consider setting up a formal joint tenancy and share the workload
- Surrender the tenancy of the plot
If you wish to reduce the plot size, please contact the allotments officer (allotments@lincoln.gov.uk) and ask if it is possible to do so.
If you need more time to rectify the enforcement issues you should contact the allotments officer. In exceptional circumstances, such as a medical condition or family bereavement, extra time will be considered.
If you need more time to move large quantities of materials then extra time can be arranged to allow tenants to remove waste.
Terminated tenancies
If you failt to meet the requirements, then you will be given a set period of time to clear the plot of all rubbish and structures and materials or crops that you wish to keep.
This period is usually one month from the issuing of the termination letter. After this period, the plot will be re-let to new tenants, and you will no longer have a right to enter or cultivate the plot.
If you have moved address and have not received communications, then the termination will still stand as it is your responsibility to keep us informed of your current address.