Hence "might" and the parenthetical "or at least not build a large gardening setup". To rephrase, without ownership of the asset, the renter (and landlord after contract signed) is less incentivized to "work the land" for whatever definition of that you have. Sometimes the setup (irrigation, structural changes, etc) is not worth it or not allowed to the renter. Also unfair to use your anecdotal opinion of whether or not to garden to keep from having the slightest clue why other renters might not.