> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.immodio.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.immodio.app/en/anleitung/einnahmen-und-ausgaben/buchhaltung-erweiterung/10024410-kosten-fuer-dachrinnenreinigung.md). # Costs for gutter cleaning Help on the Immodio entry item The costs of cleaning gutters.
Use this category for the **regular cleaning of gutters and, where applicable, the associated downpipes** where this work is needed regularly in order to remove leaves, moss, mud and other deposits and to keep the water draining properly. The costs are then recovered from the tenants under **"other operating costs"**. They are neither ordinary drainage costs nor building cleaning, because gutters are not parts of the building used communally by the residents. #### What can be entered here? This can include in particular: * the regular removal of leaves, moss, mud and other deposits, * flushing out and cleaning the gutters, * cleaning gutter inlets and leaf guards, * the regular cleaning of connected downpipes, as far as it is part of the same cleaning service, * the labour and travel costs directly necessary for the cleaning, * the costs of an aerial platform or other necessary access equipment, as far as it is used directly for the regular cleaning, * disposing of the material removed during the cleaning. Only enter the share of an invoice that actually relates to the **running cleaning**. Where the invoice also contains checks, repairs or work on damaged components, those services have to be separated out. ### The requirement: agree it expressly in the rental agreement Cleaning gutters is one of the **other operating costs under Section 2 no. 17 BetrKV**. In residential tenancies it is therefore generally not sufficient to refer in the rental agreement only in general terms to "operating costs" or to the Operating Costs Ordinance. The type of cost should be named expressly in the rental agreement, which is the case in the Immodio rental agreement. #### What does "regularly" mean? The cleaning does not necessarily have to be carried out every year. Cleaning at intervals of several years can also be a running type of operating cost where it is necessary **recurrently and according to plan** because of local conditions. That can be the case in particular with: * trees in the immediate vicinity of the building, * a regularly heavy accumulation of leaves or needles, * gutters with particularly many corners or poor drainage, * soiling that recurs according to experience. A comprehensible cleaning cycle is helpful, for example annually, every two years or after each documented routine check. A one-off cleaning because of exceptional damage or because upkeep was neglected for years, on the other hand, is more difficult to classify as running operating costs. ### Assignment For the assignment select **"Property"** and then the building concerned. The costs are assigned to the entire property and allocated to the associated tenancies as part of the operating cost statement. Where no other effective allocation key was agreed, allocation in residential tenancies is generally according to the share of the living space. ### When this category should not be used The following in particular do not belong here: * repairing and sealing leaking gutters, * replacing damaged gutter parts, * renewing downpipes, * dealing with rust, frost or storm damage, * repairing loose brackets, * renewing gutter boxes and outlets, * installing new leaf guards, * the initial purchase or fitting of a gutter, * work on the roof, the facade or the roof drainage, * clearing blockages caused by a structural defect, * emergency call-outs following water damage that has already occurred. These are generally maintenance, repair or acquisition costs. Such costs are expressly **not** operating costs and may not be allocated to tenants under gutter cleaning. ### Splitting mixed invoices Tradesmen's invoices frequently contain both cleaning and repairs. Typical examples are: * "gutter cleaned and leaking seam sealed", * "downpipe flushed out and damaged section of pipe replaced", * "gutter cleaning and fitting of a leaf guard". In such cases only the share clearly attributable to the regular cleaning may be entered in this category. If possible, ask the service provider to show separately: * cleaning, * checks, * repairs, * spare parts, * new installations and * access equipment. ### Where the landlord does the cleaning themselves Where the landlord cleans the gutters themselves, their own materials and work can in principle be applied at the amount a **comparable service provider would have charged for an equivalent service**. Notional VAT may **not** be applied in that case. For a comprehensible statement, the following should be documented: * the date and scope of the cleaning, * the gutters and downpipes concerned, * the work carried out, * the comparison price used, * the basis of the comparison price, * material and disposal costs, where applicable. The costs applied for own work may not be higher than the market costs of a suitable specialist company. ### Economic efficiency and safety With this type of cost too, the landlord has to observe the principle of economic efficiency. The cheapest quotation does not necessarily have to be chosen. The cleaning cycle, the scope of the service and the costs should, however, match the building's actual risk of soiling. ### Documents for the operating cost statement Keep in particular: * the rental agreement with the type of cost named expressly, * the invoice and the description of the service, * proof of payment, * the cleaning date and the building concerned, * documentation of the regular need for cleaning, * the split of mixed invoices, * the calculation where there are several buildings, * the allocation key used, * evidence of own work. Tenants can ask to inspect the receipts underlying the operating cost statement.