February might feel quiet, but for UK landlords, it is a clever month to act. A small job now saves big bills later. If gutters are full, water finds places it should not, and that brings damp and complaints from tenants. Take time this February to check and clear gutters before spring rains begin. Our student accommodation listing helps landlords show they care by encouraging routine checks and highlighting well-kept homes. Our listing makes your property easier for students to find who want dry, safe rooms. This short guide explains why February works, how to plan cleaning and what to check for in shared houses and HMOs. Read on for simple steps, low-fuss tips and a plan you can follow without drama. Do the job early, keep tenants happy and protect your property value. Start now and avoid costly repairs down the road. It is worth it today.
Why clean gutters in February?
Gutters collect months of leaves, moss and grit. If you wait until spring, rain and thawing ice can force that mess into your walls and cellars. Cleaning in February clears winter buildup and gets roofs ready for heavier rains coming soon.
Clears autumn and winter debris before spring rain.
Stops overflow that soaks walls and window frames.
Reduces mould risk in bedrooms and shared spaces.
Lets you spot frozen or broken sections early.
Cleaning gutters in February stops rainwater from sitting against walls and roofs and cuts the chances of damp forming inside homes. It saves landlords money by preventing slow wood rot, peeling plaster and larger repair bills that take months to fix. Student properties need consistent care so tenants have dry rooms and fewer complaints. A clear gutter system also lowers the chance of pest nests in wet debris and protects foundations from long term erosion. Take photos, keep dated records and book help for taller buildings. Make this a simple annual habit to protect property value. Do it early each year.
When should landlords check gutters?
Do a watchful check after heavy leaf fall and again in late winter. Also, glance after storms or long freezes break up. Regular checks stop small blockages from becoming leaks that bother tenants and cost landlords time and money.
Inspect after autumn leaf fall and again in February.
Do a quick check after big storms or heavy winds.
Look again after thawing ice and freezing spells.
Add a mid-season check for tree-lined streets.
Lock in at least two major checks a year, specifically in autumn and again in February before the spring rains. Following heavy storms, you must execute immediate visual sweeps to identify dislodged gutters or overflowing pipes. If the property sits under dense trees, step it up to three checks to manage the extra debris load efficiently. For tall HMOs or multi-storey blocks, hire professionals who inspect safely and deliver written reports. Maintain a solid log of dates and actions, plus photos to prove your maintenance is proactive. This routine demonstrates responsibility to tenants and stops small issues from turning into expensive repairs, and ultimately saves time.
Who should clean gutters for HMOs?
Safety matters more in taller houses and shared homes with many windows. For one-storey lets, a careful landlord can do a sweep, but for multi-storey HMOs, you should contact a pro who carries insurance and gear. That way, work is safe and recorded.
Hire professionals for any building over one storey.
Use insured contractors with harnesses and safe ladders.
For a single-storey, use proper ladder safety and a spotter.
Keep receipts and condition notes for records.
Tall buildings and HMOs require professional gutter teams much more than small student houses. Experts hold the ladders, harnesses, and insurance to handle multi-storey access and work safely around roofs. They also scrub thoroughly, flush downpipes, and catch loose brackets that cause future leaks and rot. For single-storey student lets, landlords with the right gear can run checks, but put safety first and never use unsecured ladders. Demand written invoices and condition notes from any contractor as hard proof of maintenance. This guards you legally, keeps students in dry rooms without risk, and actively cuts down future bills.
FAQ
Q: How long does a typical gutter clean take?
A: For a normal terraced house, one hour is common. Bigger HMOs or blocked systems take longer. Allow extra time for downpipe flushing and checking brackets.
Q: Can tenants be asked to report gutter problems?
A: Yes, ask tenants to alert you to leaks or drips. Make it clear that external maintenance remains the landlord’s duty, and you will act promptly.
Q: What records should landlords keep?
A: Keep dates, photos before and after, invoices and any contractor notes. These help with insurance and prove proactive upkeep.
Q: Is gutter cleaning covered by landlord insurance?
A: Routine maintenance is usually a landlord's responsibility. Insurance may cover sudden damage but not neglect. Check your policy wording.
Q: How often for tree-lined streets?
A: Properties under trees often need three to four checks a year. Heavy leaf fall requires more frequent attention.
Q: What signs show an urgent problem?
A: Overflowing water, large sagging sections, wet patches inside walls, or pest nests in gutters need prompt action.
Small, steady care keeps houses healthy and tenants comfortable. If you make February gutter cleaning part of your routine, you avoid many later headaches and protect your rent income. Keep simple records and use trusted help for taller buildings.
Conclusion
Small jobs in quiet months keep houses in good shape, and landlords calm. Cleaning gutters in February is a low-cost step that stops damp, mould and big bills. For students, it keeps rooms dry and students happier throughout the study months. Keep records, take photos and book reliable help for tall properties. If you list on StudentTenant.com, you can show tenants you manage homes responsibly and attract steady bookings. Make a short checklist: inspect, clear, test downpipes and note repairs. Run this routine annually and right before the heavy rains hit. Proactive maintenance defends your money, cuts stress, and keeps tenants safe. Act now to avoid emergency calls exactly when students need quiet to study. Lock it in your calendar, tackle one street at a time, and eliminate nasty surprises. Tell other landlords to do the same and keep your portfolio in prime shape.