Repairs That Your Landlord Is Not Really Responsible For
There are many laws that govern your rights when renting a home , but landlords are also pretty well protected. You may think that everything that happens in your apartment is their business (for better or for worse), but in fact there are quite a few things that they simply are not responsible for. While it’s pretty wild, they technically own your home and can make all sorts of rules in it, but they don’t really have to fix certain issues, it pays to know what’s their job and what’s not when it comes to your space.
Open spaces
If you rent a house or happen to own an apartment with a backyard, be aware that according to Realtor.com, the lease may state that you are responsible for managing these areas. Read it carefully and ask your landlord if you have any questions, but know that you can be the one who has to clear snow, clean gutters, remove pests, and more.
Minor plumbing problems
Realtor.com adds that blockages and other minor plumbing problems are rarely the responsibility of your landlord. Unless it’s something really serious, you’ll probably have to get out of that pipe yourself what you have to do, because if your problem becomes a building problem, you’ll probably get hooked too.
The damage you do
In most cases, according to Realtor.com , if you’ve caused damage, you should fix it. If there is a hole in your wall due to a water leak, that is the landlord’s responsibility. If it’s got a hole in it because you hung something too heavy, it’s yours.
Redecorating
According to Nolo Legal Services , your landlord likely isn’t required by law to do purely cosmetic repairs to your home. If a cracked bathroom tile just looks unsightly, that’s probably your problem. If a crack in the tub is causing a leak or making it unusable, it’s most likely their fault. They are required by law to keep the building in a livable condition, which means you have to be warm and have access to the essentials.
What to do if you are not sure
You might assume that your landlord doesn’t have to provide you with window screens, air conditioners, light bulbs, and other such things, but you should always contact them if you think there’s a chance. For example, my apartment has a vaulted ceiling, and because I live in a cramped New York apartment, I don’t have a giant staircase handy. My landlord comes and changes my light bulb when I need it, which is tactful. Read the rental agreement carefully to see what repairs are specifically highlighted as their and your responsibility, and if you make inquiries or ask for clarifications, be sure to do so in writing so you have a record of what is said.