03 May What are Tenant Responsibilities for Maintenance and Repairs?
Am I responsible for repairs? As a renter it can be confusing to know what’s your responsibility to fix and what the landlord’s responsibility is. It is accepted that there will be normal wear to the house but outside of that when are repairs your responsibility?
Cause of Damage
First, if you caused the issue or some extension of you caused the issue it is your responsibility to fix. If your cat scratched through the screen, that would be your responsibility. If the damage is caused by what could be considered as “improper” or “negligent” use, the repairs cost will typically fall on the tenant.
Cleaning and general upkeep of appliances is also your responsibility. A good general rule of thumb is to treat and take care of things the way you would want someone to take care of your house.
Is It A Major Issue or Minor Issue
When considering who is responsible for a repair ask yourself if it is a major issue or a minor annoyance? Can it be easily fixed by you? It might be easier and faster for you to make a small repair than go through the landlord and have to wait for a response.
If it is a major issue the landlord should know about it regardless of how it happened. If it is an emergency, use the 24/7 maintenance line. Some issues that constitute as a maintenance emergency include, but are not limited to, broken gas line or leak, broken water line, flooding, no heat when freezing temperatures are present, electrical sparking, and sewer line blockages that affect the entire dwelling.
If the issue can cause serious injury or property damage, that is qualified as an emergency. As a tenant you have rights to a habitable living condition and it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure the property meets that standard.
Check With Your Landlord
However, even if you are a skilled contractor, do not make major changes or repairs without getting authorization first. Oftentimes landlords and property management companies have vendors they prefer to do work around the house. There might be a certain standard that the landlord wants work done to and it is best for you to hand over all major repairs to the landlord to handle.
Overall, things like light bulbs and batteries in smoke detectors are up to you. When in doubt if a maintenance repair is your responsibility read your lease or call your property manager.
