Home Repairs Are Not Your Landlord’s Responsibility.
There are a variety of laws that govern your rights when renting a home , but landlords are also pretty well protected. You might think that everything that happens in your apartment is their business (for better or worse), but in reality there are quite a few things that they simply are not responsible for. While it’s pretty wild that they technically own your home and can make all sorts of rules within it, but they don’t actually have to fix certain problems, it’s worth knowing what is their job and what isn’t when it comes to your space.
Open spaces are your responsibility
If you rent a house or are lucky enough to own an apartment with a backyard, keep in mind that your lease may stipulate that management of these areas is your responsibility. Read it carefully and ask the homeowner if you have any questions, but know that you will be the one responsible for clearing snow, cutting grass, cleaning gutters, removing pests and more.
We can also help you solve minor plumbing problems.
Clogs and other minor plumbing problems are rarely the landlord’s responsibility. Unless it’s something really serious, you’ll probably be able to get whatever you need to do out of that pipe yourself, because if your problem becomes a building problem, you’ll probably be on the hook for that too.
I recommend the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel for clearing clogs: it extends 18 inches, has a rotating handle that makes it easy to use, and costs less than $20. Use this regularly to avoid major problems in the future, and only call the landlord when something is truly wrong. For example, my supervisor came in a few months ago to fix my leaking shower—there was a problem with some valve seals that I wasn’t the cause of and that I couldn’t fix myself—but my clogged sink is only a foot away? This is my problem and mine alone. Speaking of…
The damage you cause is the damage you undo.
In most cases, if you cause damage, you will have to fix it. If your wall has a hole due to a water leak, it is the landlord’s responsibility. If there’s a hole in it because you hung something too heavy, it’s yours.
This can be a little confusing, so it’s best to discuss this category with your supervisor. This week I called mine out of frustration because I couldn’t get some marks off the top of the wall . I assumed it was my fault. Wrong! They were caused by a faulty radiator valve (not my fault) and were actually a symptom of a deeper problem within the wall (also not my fault), meaning the management company had to send someone out to not only take apart my wall, but also replace the radiator valve. They did so, but other marks left by scratches or wall hangings remained untouched; it’s my responsibility since I put them there.
This does not mean that you are completely on your own. Depending on your relationship with your supervisor, you may be able to ask to borrow their tools and resources, and they may even help you. After all, it is in their financial interest to keep it in good condition. I rent a small apartment and I certainly don’t have space for things like large tools or ladders, but my superman allows me to use it when I need to fix something that is my responsibility. More often than not, they come and do it for me, preferring not to let me climb the ladder that belongs to them. Smart!
Cosmetic repairs are your responsibility
Likewise, your landlord likely isn’t legally obligated to make purely cosmetic repairs to you. If a crack in your bathroom tile is just plain unsightly, this may be your problem. If a crack in your bathtub is causing it to leak or render it unusable, it’s likely their fault. They are required by law to keep the building in a livable condition, which means keeping you warm and having access to the essentials. That’s it. I know from experience that they have little to no interest in how attractive your property actually is unless it detracts from its value and is not noticeable from the outside. However, once again, ask politely and see if they are willing to help you or lend you tools. Just because they aren’t legally obligated to do something doesn’t always mean they won’t do it, especially if you can prove it will retain high value.
What to do if you’re not sure
You may assume that your landlord is not obligated to provide you with window screens, air conditioners, light bulbs and other such things, but you should always contact them if you think there is a chance. For example, my apartment has a vaulted ceiling, and like I said, I don’t have a giant staircase. My landlord comes and changes my light bulb when I need it, which is very kind; I just need to provide the light bulb. Read the lease carefully to see what repairs are specifically highlighted as their responsibility and yours, and if you do make inquiries or ask for clarification, be sure to always do so in writing so you have a record of everything said.
This week, after the wall disaster, my building manager gently reminded me that I should always err on the side of asking for help rather than assuming I’ll have to take care of something myself. This is great advice, straight from the horse’s mouth. They may want to help you, but you won’t know until you ask. Just keep in mind that they don’t have to do anything other than fix anything that makes the place unsafe or uninhabitable.
In addition to reading your lease, being upfront with your landlord, and simply asking for help if he provides it, familiarize yourself with tenant protections and laws in your specific state. The above repairs are generally considered repairs that you are responsible for, but this may not be the case where you live. Here’s a handy list by state that can help you get started. The more you know about your lease and the laws that apply to your personal situation, the better prepared you will be to fix leaks, holes and other problems.