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The Most Overlooked Rental Maintenance Task in Ontario (And It’s Costing You Thousands)

The Most Overlooked Rental Maintenance Task in Ontario (And It’s Costing You Thousands)
Most Overlooked Rental Maintenance Task in Ontario

⚓ Table of Contents

Why This Task Gets Missed

Most landlords in Ontario stay on top of obvious maintenance: heating, plumbing, and smoke detectors. But there’s one task consistently left off DIY checklists—gutter cleaning.

It’s not glamorous, but it's crucial. Gutters are often out of sight and out of mind—until they’re causing expensive damage. When landlords skip this simple task, they’re inviting water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues.

At Blue Anchor Property Management, we’ve seen cases where a $200 cleaning could’ve prevented $8,000 in repairs.

The Expensive Consequences

Here’s what happens when gutters overflow or get clogged:

  • Water backs up into the roof
  • Ice dams form during Ontario winters
  • Water seeps into walls and foundations
  • Mold starts growing inside the unit
  • Drainage issues impact landscaping and tenant safety

The result? Emergency repairs, tenant dissatisfaction, potential insurance claims—and worst of all, lower rental ROI.

rental maintenance mistake Ontario

The Gutter Problem: What You’re Overlooking

Gutters serve as a property’s first line of defense against rain and snowmelt. If neglected, the costs add up quickly:

  • Repairing exterior damage: $2,000–$5,000
  • Foundation remediation: $8,000–$15,000
  • Lost rent from vacancies during repair: variable
  • Long-term mold treatment: thousands more

The cost of two cleanings a year? Less than $500.

How Property Managers Stay Ahead

Professional managers include gutter inspections in their seasonal maintenance protocols.

At Blue Anchor, we:

  • Schedule fall and spring cleanings
  • Use licensed vendors with photo verification
  • Monitor drainage trends over time
  • Include downspout inspections in every visit

We know that small preventive efforts protect the long-term value of your investment and support stable tenancy.

Seasonal Checklist for Ontario Landlords

To ensure you never miss this again, follow a basic seasonal checklist:

Spring:
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Roof shingle inspection
  • HVAC filter change
  • Sump pump test
Fall:
  • Gutter cleaning (again!)
  • Window caulking check
  • Furnace maintenance
  • Weatherstripping and seal testing

Need a printable version? Download our Landlord Checklist.

Take Action Now

If you're a landlord in Kingston, Belleville, or anywhere in Ontario, don’t wait for damage to show up. A proactive maintenance strategy saves time, money, and stress.

Whether you’re self-managing or considering full-service property management, your approach to simple tasks like gutter cleaning makes all the difference.

Need help evaluating your maintenance risks? Contact Blue Anchor for a custom property performance review.

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