It's the Renter's Responsibility Just like mowing lawns and trimming hedges, part of regular maintenance involves cleaning gutters. If the lease says “regular outdoor maintenance” or “landscape care”, there is a valid argument that the tenant should clean the gutters. If gutter cleaning is not specifically described in the agreement, the tenant can ask for clarification of the problem and reach an agreement that is acceptable to both the landlord and the tenant. If you notice your gutters starting to leak or overflow, it's a sign that they need cleaning (or professional inspection).
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). If you tell the landlord it's time to clean the gutters and he refuses to do so, you may need to see what state law says about tenant and landlord responsibilities. It's definitely a gray area, and many tenants aren't aware of what's expected of them when it comes to cleaning gutters. Although tenants have a responsibility to keep the rented property in good condition, take care of the garden, and address minor repair issues, cleaning and maintaining gutters is often a landlord's obligation.
Just like in my other post on plumbing issues, I will try to answer the question of who is responsible for cleaning 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. 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. 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. 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. Paying a tenant's medical bills and lost wages will cost you much more than paying to have gutters cleaned professionally every two years.
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.
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