A small amount of preventative maintenance can save a rental property from big, expensive headaches. When managing a rental, one of the most overlooked tasks is cleaning the gutters. 

Often viewed as a minor chore, clean gutters are, in reality, a vital line of defense for a building's structure. We’re proud to now be able to offer this service in-house. It’s a win-win for both landlords protecting their investment and tenants ensuring a safe, healthy home.

For landlords: protecting your asset and your wallet

For property owners, regular gutter cleaning is a simple preventative measure that offers huge long-term financial security. If a property is occupied, typically the Tenant will ensure the gutters are clean as part of the general upkeep of the property.

But if your property is currently empty, don’t neglect the gutters - particularly at this time of year!

1. Avoid catastrophic water damage

The primary role of gutters is to direct rainwater safely away from your property. When they are clogged with leaves and debris, that water has nowhere to go but over the side. This leads to serious problems:

Roof and fascia damage: Backed-up water can soak into the roof eaves and fascia boards, leading to expensive wood rot.

Foundation issues: Water pooling around the base of the house can erode soil and compromise the foundation, potentially leading to structural instability.

Internal leaks: Water can saturate exterior walls, leading to damp penetration, ruined plasterwork, and internal mould growth - all requiring costly internal repairs.

The bottom line: The small cost of a professional clean easily outweighs the risk of thousands of pounds in repairs.

2. Extend lifespan and appeal

Regular cleaning ensures that the gutters and downspouts themselves last longer. A property free from overflowing, blocked gutters maintains better curb appeal, which is crucial for attracting and retaining quality tenants.

For tenants: Keep your home at it’s best

The benefits of keeping your gutters clean will directly impact the comfort of those living in your home. Gutter maintenance falls under general upkeep of your property along with keeping the garden / outdoor spaces and internal rooms clean and tidy.

1. Reduce health risks

Be aware that clogged gutters are a gateway to damp and mould. When external walls are constantly saturated by overflowing water, damp patches and mould can quickly appear inside the home.

2. Banish pests

Water-filled gutters full of decomposing leaves and silt create an ideal, stagnant habitat for pests. This debris attracts flies, and even rodents, increasing the chances of infestation inside your home. Clearing the blockage removes their nesting ground.

3. Safety and peace of mind

Overflowing water can create slippery, icy patches around pathways and entryways in winter, posing a tripping hazard. Preventing floods and leaks also protects tenants’ personal belongings and provides the comfort of knowing the home is secure and well-maintained.

Book your gutter cleaning

Over the years, many Landlords and Tenants have asked us for gutter cleaning recommendations, so we’ve gone one step further to make this vital maintenance task simple and affordable by launching a gutter cleaning service in-house.

The price: £45 (including VAT) per side of the building.

What we need:

Access to electricity: For a short period of time to run our specialised equipment.

Access to water: Ideally, we need access to an external tap, though this is not essential.

Don't wait for the next heavy rain to discover a blockage!

➡️ Contact our Works Manager today to book your next professional gutter clean and keep your property dry, healthy, and protected: jack.shelley@ultralets.co.uk