Who Pays for Maintenance on Rental Properties?

Maintenance is something that’s essential when you own rental properties because, if you don’t take care of your properties they will fall into decline and be less desirable for your tenants.

The big question is who is responsible for maintenance? If the landlord supposed to pay for rental property maintenance or the tenant?

In this article we will answer this question and offer you insight into the who is responsible for maintenance and what a maintenance schedule should look like and how important it is for landlords.

Landlord’s Responsibilities for Maintenance

Landlords must provide tenants with a safe and habitable living environment. This includes maintaining structural elements, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, and compliance with local housing codes. Some of the key maintenance responsibilities landlords typically handle include:

1. Structural Repairs

Landlords must ensure that the property’s foundation, walls, roof, and flooring are in good condition. Any structural damage that affects the safety or habitability of the unit is the landlord’s responsibility to repair.

2. Major Appliances and Systems

If the rental unit has appliances like a refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher, the landlord must repair or replace them if they break down due to normal wear and tear. Similarly, landlords are responsible for maintaining HVAC systems, water heaters, and plumbing.

3. Electrical and Plumbing Issues

Landlords must maintain the electrical wiring, outlets, light fixtures, and plumbing systems. The landlord must cover the repair costs if issues arise due to age or everyday use.

4. Pest Control

If an infestation occurs due to structural issues (e.g., gaps in walls or flooring), it is typically the landlord’s responsibility to address it. Many local laws require landlords to provide a pest-free living environment.

5. Common Area Maintenance

Landlords must maintain shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, and laundry rooms for multi-unit properties. This includes ensuring proper lighting, cleaning, and general upkeep.

Tenant’s Responsibilities for Maintenance

While landlords handle significant repairs and upkeep, tenants also have obligations to maintain and keep the property in good condition. Here are some everyday maintenance responsibilities that fall on tenants:

1. Daily Upkeep and Cleaning

Tenants are responsible for routine cleaning and general maintenance, such as keeping floors, walls, and appliances clean. This helps prevent avoidable Damage and ensures the unit remains in good condition.

2. Minor Repairs and Replacements

Tenants may be required to handle minor repairs such as changing light bulbs, unclogging drains, or replacing air filters. These minor issues do not typically fall under the landlord’s responsibility.

3. Reporting Maintenance Issues Promptly

Tenants should report any maintenance concerns to the landlord as soon as they arise. Failing to report issues promptly can lead to worsening Damage, which may result in the tenant being held responsible for the repairs.

4. Preventing Damage

Tenants are expected to use the property responsibly and avoid causing unnecessary Damage. If Damage occurs due to negligence, such as broken windows, holes in walls, or carpet stains, the tenant will likely have to pay for repairs.

5. Lawn Care and Snow Removal (if specified in the lease)

In some rental agreements, tenants may be required to handle lawn care, such as mowing the grass or removing snow from sidewalks. However, this varies by lease and local regulations.

Lease Agreements and Maintenance Responsibilities

A well-drafted lease agreement should clearly outline maintenance responsibilities for both parties. The lease should specify which repairs the landlord covers and what the tenant is responsible for maintaining. This helps prevent confusion and disputes over repair costs.

What Happens When There’s Disagreement?

Disputes over maintenance costs are not uncommon, but they can often be resolved by referring to the lease agreement or local landlord-tenant laws. In many states, if a landlord neglects necessary repairs, tenants may have legal remedies such as:

• Withholding rent until the issue is resolved.
• Repair and deduct, where tenants pay for repairs and deduct the cost from rent.
• Filing a complaint with local housing authorities.

On the other hand, if a tenant fails to maintain the property or causes Damage, the landlord may deduct repair costs from the security deposit or take legal action to recover expenses.

Conclusion

Understanding who pays for rental property maintenance is essential for landlords and tenants. Landlords are responsible for major repairs, structural integrity, and basic systems, while tenants must maintain cleanliness, report issues, and prevent Damage. An explicit lease agreement and open communication ensure that maintenance responsibilities are handled efficiently, reducing conflicts and keeping rental properties in good condition.

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