Taking on an allotment means agreeing to look after your plot and help keep the site safe and enjoyable for everyone.
These rules form part of your tenancy agreement and apply to all allotment tenants. If you do not follow them, we may terminate your tenancy or enforce charges.
Looking after your plot
You must:
- start growing crops on at least 25% of your plot within the first 3 months
- start growing crops at least 75% of your plot within 12 months and maintain this afterwards
- keep your plot free from excessive weeds
- mainly use your plot to grow fruit and vegetables
- keep surrounding paths clear and maintained
- display your plot number clearly
Water use
To help conserve water:
- water your crops by hand
- you may use a hosepipe only to fill water containers
- sprinklers, irrigation systems and unattended hosepipes are not permitted
Structures and fencing
You can have one shed measuring up to 2.4m by 1.8m (8ft by 6ft).
You must not:
- put fencing or gates around your plot
- have screening that blocks visibility into your plot
- build additional structures without written permission
- install CCTV without written permission
Council officers must be able to inspect plots easily.
Visitors, pets and wildlife
You are responsible for anyone visiting your plot.
Dogs must be kept on a short lead and any fouling removed.
Livestock or other animals are not permitted.
You must have written permission:
- for beekeeping
- to add a pond or water feature
Waste and compost
You can compost garden waste on your own plot.
You must not:
- bring household waste onto the allotment
- leave waste or unwanted materials on site
- allow others to dump waste
Bonfires
Bonfires should only be used when necessary.
You must:
- only burn dry plant material
- never burn plastics, treated wood, paint, household waste or other unsuitable materials
- avoid lighting fires that cause smoke nuisance
- never leave a fire unattended
Behaviour on site
Everyone should feel welcome and safe.
You must not:
- harass, intimidate or discriminate against others
- behave aggressively or antisocially
- create nuisance for other tenants or residents
Security
You must:
- keep gates locked
- report theft or vandalism to the police and the council
- return any keys when your tenancy ends
You must not copy keys or lend site keys to anyone.
Rent
Rent is payable annually.
If rent changes, we will give you at least one month's notice before the new fee starts.
If you give up your plot during the tenancy year, we cannot refund any rent you have already paid.
Inspections
Council officers carry out regular inspections to make sure plots are being maintained and check site infrastructure.
Ending your tenancy
If you want to leave your plot, you must give 30 days' notice.
Before leaving, you must:
- remove all personal belongings
- clear any rubbish
- leave the plot in a clean condition
Complaints and disputes
If your site has an allotment association, you should complain to them first.
If they cannot resolve your issue, or your site does not have an association, email allotments@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.