Private rented property standards guidance

All rainwater pipes should discharge properly into the drainage system. 

• All elements of the drainage system should be subjected to routine maintenance and free of blockages 
• The responsibility for the maintenance and management of sewers and drains is shared with property owners, water companies, local authorities, and the Highways Agency  for further information visit OFWAT - responsibility for pipes and sewers (opens new window)
• All access covers to drainage and other services should be fitted with suitable flush mounted covers adequately marked to indicate purpose.
• There should be adequate provision for surface and foul water drainage. 
• All gutters must be securely fitted and with no damage, missing or loose sections and be to the proper fall of gutter to allow adequate discharge into an appropriate outlet.
• All rainwater downpipes (RWP) must be securely fixed to the property with no damage, missing or loose sections and properly connected to the guttering. The RWP must discharge into the drainage system.
• Any connection of wastewater connecting into the rainwater down pipe must be done so using the correct connection type.