The housing market has seen massive growth in the last few years with rental properties increasing in popularity as a more long-term option. For many, renting a home or apartment provides a certain flexibility that owning a home simply does not provide.
With a whole new generation experiencing a competitive rental market for the first time, many renters might be wondering who is responsible for the inevitable repairs that come with day-to-day living? Let’s take a look at who is actually responsible for maintenance items like gutter repair or new gutter installation.
State to State
It can be difficult for first time renters to determine whose responsibility certain household repairs fall to. Gutter cleaning and gutter repair, in particular, is one issue that isn’t always specified outright.
To that end, renters will want to confirm what their lease agreement states as far as maintenance issues are concerned. Lease requirements vary widely, particularly depending on where a property is located.
Regular maintenance issues such as the disposal of garbage and general yard landscaping are typically left to the tenant. However, the lease agreement in question will generally confirm which items are specifically meant as the renter’s responsibility, and which are left for the landlord to take care of.
Responsibilities
Landlords are legally bound to provide a habitable living condition to their tenants. This generally means that any wear and tear that could potentially pose any safety issues must be fixed in a timely manner. Such concerns might include things like pest infestations, broken locks, or plumbing issues.
In addition to such repairs are more time intensive ones like gutter cleaning or gutter repair. If this is not laid out in the lease specifically, renters will want to contact their landlord to find out who is responsible. However, it should be noted that gutter repair is no small feat and can be dangerous if completed without the proper tools or training.
Gutter Repair Specifics
General wear and tear of a home is to be expected. Gutters get clogged with general debris and face inclement weather throughout the year. While common, clogged or cracked gutters can be difficult to clean or replace.
If a tenant suspects the gutters on a home need repair, contacting their landlord is a smart move. Tenants unfamiliar with gutter cleaning or repair are at risk of choosing the wrong gutter type, choosing the wrong size gutter for the house, as well as improper placement of the gutters themselves.
A landlord will be able to hire a professional team to take care of the ins and outs required of either a general cleaning or a complete overhaul of the system currently installed on the home.
Calling in a Gutter Repair
Sustaining the foundation and overall structure of a home is what gutters do best. Improperly cared for or broken gutters pose a risk to tenants and landlords alike.
Gutter repairs are no simple task. The average tenant should leave the repair to the pros, and a good landlord will know that an intricate job like gutter repair is best left to a professional. Tenants can contact their landlord if damage is present, and landlords will be able to get the ball rolling on repairs in no time.
