It’s an often asked question by both Renters and Rental Providers during the course of a rental agreement. Who is actually responsible for cleaning the gutters at an investment property?
Many owners believe it is a Renter's responsibility to ensure the upkeep of clean gutters, whilst Renters hold the opinion that it forms part of general property maintenance.
The Answer
Although Renters have the responsibility to maintain the rented property in good condition, take care of the garden and address minor repair issues, gutter cleaning and maintenance is the obligation of the owner.
A Residential Rental Provider is responsible for maintaining their investment in a rentable condition. When gutters suffer normal wear and tear problems, it is not the Renter's responsibility to remedy them at their cost. A Residential Rental Provider cannot expect their Renter/s to risk their safety climbing a ladder and working on the roof of a property that they do not own. Likewise, they are not obliged to maintain the structural integrity of the owner's property.
Are There Exceptions To The Rule?
The Residential Tenancies Act allows for some exceptions to the rule, including the evidence of negligence on the Renter's part that has led to the obstruction of the rainwater drainage system. For example, if a Renter has failed to immediately notify the owner of a gutter functioning problem, maybe after a severe weather event, or they have not removed an item, such as a toy, drone, kite, etc. that has ended up blocking the gutter, this could ultimately free the owner from any responsibilities, related to covering the cost of gutter cleaning and/or repairs. This may be fine, however, when the damage has been done and significant flood repairs are required, that horse has already bolted, particularly if your insurance claim is voided through lack of care.
Preventive Gutter Maintenance is Key
So as an investor, preventative gutter maintenance is key.
Water damage can result in the compromised structural integrity of the property and is expensive to repair, so
- Be sure to let rainwater flow unobstructed away from the exterior surfaces including the roof, walls, porches, windows, and doors
- Remove fallen leaves and twigs, grass, birds’ nests, and waste regularly before significant blockages occur
- Unmaintained guttering will eventually rust and collapse which can be avoided with regular checks and clearing of debris
It would be fair to say that gutter maintenance is quite often overlooked by Residential Rental Providers and should be scheduled in the same manner as other ongoing maintenance issues.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
The regularity of cleaning really depends on the location of the property and its surroundings. Are there large trees with overhanging branches close to the roof? Are the gutters easily accessible by wildlife or pests that create nests? In these instances, twice annually may be a good program to follow. Otherwise, a general rule of thumb suggests cleaning gutters every 12 months, ideally in late autumn when trees nearby have shed the bulk of their leaves.
