Allotment deposits?

[alldigging]

Just like tenants normally have to pay a deposit on a property rental, what do you think about the idea of a deposit on an allotment?

That way people who leave their plot with hazardous waste; 12 ft high weeds, dangerous rotten sheds; and other nightmarish problems... would have very little deposit returned to them...

I'm not sure how you'd decide how much to charge for clearing things (strimming etc) as most of the labour would have to be done by other plotholders unless the deposit was massively high enough to cover proper paid labour. (About £25 an hour)

Do you think it would make people more careful about the state of their plots? Or do you think it would put people off having an allotment because of the additional financial cost?

[Thelma Sanders]

Or do you think it would put people off having an allotment because of the additional financial cost?

Many people are struggling to cope money-wise, especially in this recession, and it would put those people off. Plots would then only be available to those with a good income.

I think it would be better managed by sending people a warning letter as soon as problems arise, and evict quickly if no improvements are made.
Allowances for non-cultivation could be made at this stage only if there are good reasons.

[rustylady]

I'm not sure how you'd decide how much to charge for clearing things (strimming etc) as most of the labour would have to be done by other plotholders unless the deposit was massively high enough to cover proper paid labour. (About £25 an hour)

If you pay me £25 an hour I'll come and clear your plots for you Seriously though, I don't think deposits are a good idea. As Alison said, many of us are struggling financially already.

[Alison]

I don't really understand why you need a deposit at all unless you're giving new plot holders nicely cleared plots? Mine was not far of as you described when I acquired it and through bloomin' hard work I've got it under control (although the back needs a fair bit of work at the moment as dodgy weather / work has meant I've not been able to get up there much this summer) and ongoing self sufficient in veggies and some soft fruit. Even though I think it should be better I'll never have it perfect although I make improvements each year. If for some reason I'm not able to keep it up in years to come then there is always a possibility that I'll lose the battle with the weeds, in the unlikely event that it goes back to the wild then I'd simply be returning it in the same state as I got it in the first place. If I'd had to pay a deposit then I'd still be entitled to it back as it would be like for like. If you're clearing plots first then people don't always realise the hard work involved and could be less likely to keep on top of it.

Also take the point above about people's current financial situation (which bizarely has been acredited to me above ), to make it worth while sum would price a lot of people out of the lottie market, which whilst reducing waiting lists would be a bad thing on the whole.

[rustylady]

Also take the point above about people's current financial situation (which bizarely has been acredited to me above ), to make it worth while sum would price a lot of people out of the lottie market, which whilst reducing waiting lists would be a bad thing on the whole.

Sorry Alison, trying to do three things at once

[bearded bloke]

There is always the question,if a person has to give up thier plot (for whatever reason) & was leaving the plot in a condition which was an improvement over what it was at the start of the original lease,would you be paying them for "betterment".
If that (^^) is your intention then yes you could percievably charge a deposit,but given the current economic climate for it to be an effective deterant to members leaving without tidying up behind themselves,it would need to be "index linked".

[Alison]

Sorry Alison, trying to do three things at once

Tis OK, I agreed anyway

[Hans Mum]

We've recently introduced a deposit for new plotholders of £20 which is really to cover not getting the security key back which cost a fortune to replace. Its on the application form that its a requirement and no-one has yet complained. We havent taken a deposit from existing members as it was felt this could be difficult to implement as when they joined it wasnt in the 'rules'.

[Samurailord]

I had to pay a £5 Key Deposit when I signed up - not a problem as I can see where the cost would be to replace the key if I left without returning it.

As for a deposit for the plot itself - that could be very contentious when you come to leave a plot, after all, who would be responsible for deternining whether or not you can have your deposit back, and how much to charge for any 'remedial' work needed?

It could end up being a 'nice little earner' for some unscrupulous committees who could decide to kick people off their plots with minimal notice, and withhold the entire amount of the deposit plus the entire year's rent, then re-let the same plots again and again.

Most of us have read about the problems that Ashkadevi has been facing on her plot - imagine if there were deposits involved as well!.

And surely your annual rent is a kind of a deposit - if you leave (or get turfed out for non-cultivation) part way through the year then your unused rent could potentially be put to one side to cover any costs involved with getting a plot ready for a new plot holder. (Fuel and spare line for strimming, etc)

On our allotment the neccessary maintenance jobs on the communal areas are done by volunteers, but unfortunately it appears to be the same people every time.

Then again, I have only been there for four weeks so I may be tarring everyone with the same brush.

Andy