Renters face new limits on houseplants amid growing disputes

Many Australian seniors know the joy of nurturing a garden, but what happens when life circumstances move you into a rental property? For one British tenant named Miguel, his love of indoor greenery sparked an extraordinary battle with his landlord that's got the internet both laughing and taking sides.

The exchange reads like a masterclass in tenant defiance, but it also raises serious questions about what rights renters have when it comes to making their house feel like home.

The drama began when property owner Janet sent Miguel an email expressing 'serious concern' about his houseplant collection.

During a recent inspection, she'd counted 'at least 30 plants in the living room alone' and declared this 'completely excessive and not what I would consider appropriate use of the property.'

Miguel's response was refreshingly direct: 'They're plants Janet, not squatters.'

But Janet wasn't having any of it. She fired back with concerns about damp, mould, and damage to flooring, claiming the air already smelled humid and accusing Miguel of 'turning my property into a greenhouse.'

The tenant stood his ground, explaining he watered his plants properly using trays to prevent any leaks or damage. 'No leaks, no mould. They make the place feel like home,' he said.

The threat that escalated everything

What started as a property dispute quickly became a battle of wills. Janet insisted that covering surfaces with vegetation constituted an unauthorised alteration, threatening to begin 'possession proceedings' if Miguel didn't remove most of his plants within fourteen days.

When Miguel questioned whether she'd really 'evict someone over ferns,' Janet doubled down: 'I most certainly would' because she wouldn't 'watch my property slowly rot because a tenant wants to live in a jungle.'

Miguel's final response showed impressive composure under pressure: 'Good luck explaining to a judge that monstera leaves are a breach of contract.'

How this would play out under Australian law

If this plant dispute had occurred in Australia, particularly in NSW, the outcome would likely be very different. As of May 2025, 'no grounds' evictions are now unlawful, and landlords must have a valid legal reason with evidence to evict tenants.

Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason, whether on periodic leases or at the end of fixed-term agreements.

The reasons must fall into specific categories: tenant breaches, property sale, significant renovations, or the landlord moving in.

Simply having houseplants wouldn't constitute grounds for eviction unless the tenant could be proven to have breached their lease through property damage.

Heavy penalties apply to landlords or agents who provide a termination notice on a non-genuine ground or give supporting documentation that is false or misleading.

British property strategist Jack Rooke, who shared the exchange on social media, summed it up perfectly: 'She hasn't got anything to go on. He may be very excessive with plants but at the end of the day, it is his home. He is the tenant.'

The surprising health benefits for Australian seniors

While Janet saw Miguel's plant collection as a threat, research suggests she might have been missing the point entirely. For seniors especially, houseplants offer remarkable health benefits that go far beyond decoration.

Plant or horticultural therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 36 percent, combining learning, strength, consistency, and stamina in ways that particularly benefit seniors.

The mental health benefits are equally impressive. According to a study published in Journal of Physiological Anthropology, active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress.

Even potting soil contains microbes dubbed 'outdoorphins' that work as natural antidepressants by triggering the release of serotonin.

For seniors who may spend more time indoors due to mobility concerns, many elderly people spend significantly more time indoors than the average adult, meaning improved air quality from houseplants can benefit their health and wellness for years to come.

The great air purification debate

One of Janet's main concerns was about air quality and humidity, but science suggests she had it backwards. While older NASA studies claimed dramatic air-purifying benefits from houseplants, recent research from experts at Drexel University published in Nature has shown that while houseplants offer plenty of benefits, purifying the air significantly is not one of them.

However, plants do offer other atmospheric benefits. Plants release water vapor, raising humidity levels and making the air more moist, which is particularly helpful in dry environments with constant air conditioning or central heating.

A 2019 study concluded that while plants do purify the air, you'd need 100 to 1,000 plants for every 10 square feet to start making a measurable difference. So unless Miguel was planning to turn his flat into a literal forest, Janet's humidity concerns were likely overblown.

Practical wisdom for plant-loving tenants

For Australian seniors who love their green companions, here are some strategies to keep both your plants and your landlord happy:

Document everything: Take photos of your plant setup, including any protective measures like saucers, waterproof mats, or humidity trays. This evidence can be valuable if disputes arise.

Choose tenant-friendly plants: Opt for low-maintenance varieties that don't require frequent watering or create mess. Snake plants, pothos, and rubber plants are forgiving options.

Invest in proper equipment: Quality saucers, plant stands, and moisture meters show you're a responsible plant parent who takes property care seriously.

Communication is key: If you're moving into a new rental with an extensive plant collection, discuss it upfront rather than surprising your landlord during an inspection.

A landlord's perspective on plant policies

While Miguel's situation seems extreme, landlords do have legitimate concerns about property damage. Water damage from overwatering, pest issues, and structural concerns about weight loads are real considerations, especially in older buildings.

Landlords can approve minor tenant modifications, like installing picture hooks or safety features, and amendments include safeguards that keep landlords in control, with consent required and tribunal intervention available if requests seem unreasonable.

The key is finding middle ground. Reasonable landlords understand that a few well-maintained plants can actually enhance a property's appeal and may even reduce tenant turnover by helping renters feel more at home.

The lighter side of serious tenancy law

Miguel's quick wit in the face of an unreasonable demand struck a chord with thousands online. His video has been viewed more than 72,400 times, with supporters suggesting everything from 'I would double down and get more plants' to calling the landlord 'most toxic.'

One commenter shared a relatable experience: 'I had a landlord try and claim my plants caused damp issues in windows, not to do with the fact the windows are from post-WWII.'

Making your rental feel like home

At its heart, Miguel's story touches on something deeper than tenancy law or property management. It's about the fundamental human need to make our living spaces feel like home, regardless of whether we own or rent them.

For many Australian seniors who've moved from family homes into rental accommodation, the ability to maintain familiar comforts—whether that's a treasured plant collection, family photos, or a herb garden on the windowsill—can be crucial for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The good news is that Australian tenancy laws are increasingly recognising these needs. Recent reforms aim to create a more balanced rental market and mark a significant step forward in strengthening tenant rights and ensuring fairer rental practices.

Your green sanctuary, your rules

While we may never know how Miguel's plant predicament ultimately resolved, his confident response to an unreasonable demand offers a masterclass in standing your ground while staying within your rights.

Whether you're tending to a single snake plant or nurturing a jungle-worthy collection, remember that your rental home is still your home.

If you're a fellow plant lover who's faced similar challenges with a landlord, or if you're curious about your rights regarding household modifications in your state, the story certainly provides plenty of food for thought.

What's your take on Miguel's situation? Have you ever faced pushback from a landlord over your houseplants, or do you think Janet had a point about property protection? Share your own landlord-tenant plant stories in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you've navigated the delicate balance between green thumbs and tenancy agreements.