The deposit is essentially a security deposit to encourage plot holders to leave their allotment in good condition when they give it up.
From 2 February 2027, under clause 5.1 of the tenancy agreement:
- You pay £5 per perch at the start of the tenancy.
- The Council can keep some or all of the deposit if, when your tenancy ends, the plot is left in a poor state and requires clearance, reinstatement or removal of excessive debris before it can be re-let
- This includes situations where there is excessive debris, rubbish, overgrowth, or neglect that would require work to make the plot suitable for a new tenant.
- If the plot is left in good condition, the deposit should be refunded.
Practical examples
You would likely get your deposit back if:
- The plot is substantially cultivated.
- Weeds are under control.
- Rubbish has been removed.
- Any approved structures are left in an acceptable condition or dealt with as required.
- The plot is ready for someone else to take over.
You could lose the deposit if:
- The plot has become heavily overgrown.
- There are piles of waste, scrap materials, or unwanted structures.
- The Council needs to spend time or money clearing the plot before re-letting it.
In short, the cultivation deposit is not a penalty for breaking rules generally. It is specifically intended to contribute to the cost of restoring a neglected plot so it can be rented to the next allotment holder.