If you let out a house or flat, the outside of the building is usually your responsibility, not your tenant’s.
What the law says
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 applies to most residential tenancies of less than seven years in England. It says the landlord must keep in repair the structure and exterior of the home, and it specifically includes drains, gutters and external pipes.
Your tenancy agreement can’t move that responsibility onto the tenant.
Why gutters matter
Blocked gutters overflow onto walls, and over time that can lead to damp inside the property. Damp and mould are problems for tenants’ health and can lead to complaints and bigger repair bills. See signs your gutters are blocked.
Staying on top of it
- Have gutters and downpipes cleared regularly, especially if there are trees nearby.
- Ask tenants to report overflowing gutters or damp patches straight away.
- Check the roofline for loose or broken sections.
- Deal with moss on the roof before it blocks the gutters.
How we help landlords
We clear gutters and downpipes with a gutter vacuum and camera, without needing mains power at the property. We also repair gutters, from clips to full replacements, and clean roofs, fascias and soffits. We work for landlords as well as homeowners and businesses.
See gutter cleaning or ask for a quote.
