It's the Renter's Responsibility Just like mowing lawns and trimming hedges, part of regular maintenance involves cleaning gutters. When it comes to maintaining the gutters of a rental property, the responsibility lies with the landlord. Regular maintenance and cleaning of gutters is important to prevent damage that can result in costly repairs. When renting a property in Australia, one of the most frequently asked questions is “is the tenant responsible for cleaning the gutters? As a general rule, the property owner is responsible for cleaning gutters in a rental property.
But what exactly are tenants' cleaning obligations when renting a property? Landlords and renters share responsibility for repairs and maintenance of rental properties. Tenants need to ask the landlord to fix the problem. Homeowners must attend the repair within a reasonable time. This must be done in writing; a repair request form (PDF 240.2 KB) can be used.
How often gutters and downspouts are cleaned depends on the location of the property and its surroundings. Otherwise, the general rule is that gutter cleaning should be done once every 12 months, better - in late autumn, when nearby trees have already lost their leaves. Keep calm and allow them to arrange a professional gutter inspection and cleaning service, during which the cause of the problem can be easily determined. And to confirm the above, the RTA (the Residential Leasing Authority) clearly stipulates who is actually responsible for cleaning gutters in a rental property, as well as some exceptions to the rule.
If you notice your gutters starting to leak or overflow, it's a sign that they need cleaning (or professional inspection). However, if you have specific tree species in your garden near the house that shed flowers and leaves during the summer, inspecting and cleaning your gutters then and later in the colder months will save you from worrying about both fire hazards and water damage to the property. It's also a smart financial option, as the system will pay for itself, as it can skip gutter cleaning sessions (and can avoid costly liability issues). As a landlord, I fully agree with you Kaylee, that it is the owner's responsibility to clean the gutters.
Therefore, regular gutter cleaning ensures that fallen leaves and twigs, tree flowers, and sometimes insect, rodent and bird nests and debris, are removed in time and long before major blockages occur. There is no “standard lease” and while there are laws governing property leases, these laws don't necessarily prevent the landlord from trying to hold you responsible for cleaning gutters. I have no qualms about paying someone to clean the gutters and clean the debris out of them, as this maintenance protects my property. It is too easy to forget or postpone the provision for routine gutter and downspout inspection and cleaning.
Any required cleaning that requires specialized equipment, such as steam cleaning carpets or bathrooms due to lack of care or intentional damage, can be taken from the rental deposit or security deposit. Paying a tenant's medical bills and lost wages will cost you much more than paying to have gutters cleaned professionally every two years.
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