Ever noticed a little tuft of grass sticking out of your gutter when you’re standing at ground level? If you climb up for a closer look, you’ll probably find that grass isn’t there by accident — it’s growing in a layer of built-up debris.

That debris is blocking your gutters, and that’s bad news for any property, whether its an owner occupier or a rental. For rentals, clogged gutters could even be considered a breach of the Healthy Homes Standards — specifically, the drainage standard — which can result in fines of up to $7,200. For owner-occupiers, it’s still a serious issue because it stops your stormwater system from working properly, leading to leaks, water damage, or even structural problems.

So, what should you do?
If you can safely do so, get up on a ladder and clear out your gutters whenever you spot grass or debris. If that’s not an option, hire a professional — a plumber, roofer, or house cleaning contractor — to clear them for you.

Regular gutter maintenance keeps your stormwater system running smoothly and protects your property from costly damage.

If you have any questions about this or other property maintenance tasks for your home or rental, reach out to me, Jules, at Kōwhai Coast Property Management. I’m always happy to help.