Who Is Responsible for Roof Maintenance in a Rental Property?

There’s something satisfying about tackling weekend projects yourself, until things take a dangerous turn.  Even experienced tradies have learned the hard way that roof cleaning DIY risks aren’t worth taking. Yahoo News reported that Brandon Ford was washing the roof of his rental after fixing a leak when he slipped and fell. Despite his wife’s warning, he ended up with 28 broken bones. His accident shows how risky roof maintenance can be, even for people who know their way around a job site.

Who Should Handle Roof Repairs, Cleaning, and Inspections?

Roof care might sound straightforward, but in a rental setup, it’s all about shared responsibility. To keep things simple, here’s a quick look at how those duties are usually divided.

Responsibility	Landlord’s Rule	Tenant’s Role
Roof Structure	Maintain the roof’s structural integrity including tiles, flashing, and supports. Repairs/replacements fall under the landlord’s responsibility.	Report visible damage, sagging, or leaks as soon as they’re noticed.
Roof Repairs	Handle any repairs caused by age, weather, or wear and tear. Arrange for professional inspections.	Notify the landlord immediately when leaks or damage appear.
Gutter Maintenance	Hire professionals for safe and thorough cleaning, especially in high or hard-to-reach areas.	If safe and accessible (like on a single-story home), tenants may be asked to clear leaves between professional cleans.

What Tenants Can Report to Help With Roof Maintenance

So, before the next downpour hits, run through this quick list of roof red flags you can report to your landlord or property manager.

• Visible water stains on the ceiling
• Mould or damp patches inside the home
• Leaves or debris piling up in gutters or valleys
• Daylight visible through ceiling or roof gaps
• Unusual smells after heavy rain
• Gutters rattling or coming loose in high winds
• Water pooling near the base of the home after rain

Under Australian tenancy laws, landlords are required to keep the property in good condition. That includes the structure, the walls, and yes, the roof. 

Tenants, on the other hand, have a duty to report problems early and take reasonable care of the property. That means letting the landlord or property manager know if there’s a leak, broken tile, or any sign of damage — and avoiding anything that could make it worse. While the Residential Tenancies Act in each state has slightly different wording, the rule of thumb is simple:

• Landlords handle repairs and maintenance to the building itself
• Tenants look after cleanliness and report issues as soon as they spot them

It’s about teamwork. The faster an issue gets reported, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix before it becomes a major repair.

Why It Pays for Landlords to Leave Roof Work to the Pros

Slip and Fall Accidents

It’s easy to underestimate how dangerous roof work really is. According to SafeWork NSW, roof and ladder falls are among the top causes of serious workplace injuries. Every year, they see cases that lead to long-term harm or worse.

Roof Damage from Improper Techniques

High-pressure cleaning, harsh scrubbing, or using the wrong chemical mix can wear away protective coatings. Note that most manufacturers have strict cleaning guidelines, and ignoring them means you’re on your own if damage shows up.

Electrical Hazards

Your roof is full of live wiring that can’t always be immediately spotted. There could be cables feeding power to another section of the home or lines that run straight from the street to your meter box. One wrong move could make an ordinary clean-up job very dangerous.

Exposure to Chemicals

Roof maintenance relies on strong cleaning agents. The problem? These chemicals are harsh. Products used to remove mould contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, or concentrated biocides. They work well, but they can also cause skin burns, eye irritation, and even respiratory issues

The Best Roof Maintenance Is the One Done Safely

There’s nothing like the comfort of knowing your property and the people in it are safe under a strong, well-maintained roof. If you’re waiting for a storm to test your roof, that’s one test you’ll fail.

Just like the tradie who learned the hard way that roof work isn’t worth the risk, the message is clear; some jobs are better left to experts. Roof safety starts with smart decisions, not DIY ladders.

Get landlord resources, maintenance advice, and property care tips at Rental Real Estate.