One of the benefits of renting includes the option for tenants to defer home maintenance to the property owner or management company. When a pipe bursts or an appliance starts acting up, a renter simply needs to put in a call to their manager or landlord to fix the problem.
While it may be true that owners and managers are required to keep up with most property maintenance, there are some areas of maintenance that become the tenant’s responsibility. Your tenants are expected to keep the property clean, dispose of trash properly, and need to avoid deliberate or negligent damage to the property.
Most lease agreements require that a property should be returned in the same condition it was at the beginning of the lease term. Upon vacating a unit, if any damage is discovered or cleaning is required to return it a habitual state the expenses can be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.
Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities
While it may seem obvious to you, some renters just don’t realize their responsibilities when it comes to maintaining their rental property. In order to help them be successful, and to keep your property properly maintained, go over your expectations with them during the lease signing process and consider providing a handout as part of their move-in welcome package.
Your tenants’ maintenance responsibilities should be outlined in your rental agreement so they understand their contractual obligation in regards to maintaining the property properly. Including your maintenance expectations in your lease agreement gives you leverage if your tenants damage the property and refuse to pay for repairs. Check out this Renter Maintenance Checklist to provide your tenants.
Landlord vs. Tenant Maintenance
Most lease agreements and landlord-tenant laws follow the expectation that if a tenant causes property damage they are responsible for financing the repairs. Common damage that could be caused by a tenant and repaired with tenant funds include broken windows, holes in the wall, or damaged carpets.
Tenants are not responsible for fixing problems like leaky roofs, cracked foundations but are required to inform their property manager about maintenance issues so they can make proper repairs and prevent further damage.
Waste Management
One of the most important issues to address with your tenants is waste management. While you cannot require your tenants to have spotless homes, you can include lease terms in regards to the proper way to manage garbage by making it your tenant’s responsibility to properly dispose of any trash on the premises that could contribute to pest infestations.
Property maintenance can also become a shared responsibility between the landlord and tenant and specifics should be outlined in the lease agreement.
Plumbing, heating and air conditioning
- Landlord : The landlord should keep these systems in working order, and fixing any of these qualify as a owner responsibility.
- Tenant: Tenants are responsible for using these fixtures properly and for reporting any issues to prevent further damage. The residential lease agreement may also assign responsibility for keeping pipes clear and replacing air filters as necessary to the tenant. While the owner is required to fix these systems, if it was discovered to be defective due to negligence, like flushing a diaper, the tenant could be held responsible.
Smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Landlord: Property owners are typically required to provide and maintain safety features and replace or repair them as needed.
- Tenant: A lease agreement may require tenants to replace batteries and test these systems to make sure they are working properly.
Management of known toxins
- Landlord: Federal law dictates that the landlord must warn the tenant of the presence of lead paint dust, asbestos and mold in the rental property and that the landlord must manage such toxins to ensure they do not pose a health danger to the tenant.
- Tenant: The lease can require tenants use proper ventilation systems and ways to clean mold should any be discovered during tenancy.
Appliances
- Landlord: If the rental lease agreement includes mention of an appliance, the landlord must keep it in working order.
- Tenant: If the tenant causes damage to the appliance, however, the landlord may deduct the amount paid for repair from the security deposit.
Pest control
- Landlord: Owners are typically required to take responsibility for pest control if there is an infestation.
- Tenant: The tenant must keep the property sanitary as to not invite infestation. If the tenant does not keep a clean home, the landlord may deduct the amount paid for extermination from the tenant’s security deposit per the lease.
Landscaping
Landscaping requirements can fall on either the property manager, owner or tenant per the lease agreement.
- Landlord: Landscaping becomes the landlord’s responsibility if an unmaintained property if it violates local laws or homeowners’ association rules. It is also a good idea for the owner to take responsibility for Keeping bushes trimmed to prevent fire hazards to the property.
- Tenant: If the landlord assigned landscaping maintenance to the tenant in the lease, the landlord may pass on to the tenant any fines received from violating local laws or HOA rules.
Common areas
- Landlord: The landlord must keep all common areas of a multi-unit residential property safe and clean, provide appropriate trash receptacles and arranging for regular pickup. Elevators and other common-use systems also fall under a landlord’s area of responsibility.
- Tenant: Tenants are required to follow property rules in regards to cleaning up after themselves in common areas and not misusing equipment, like the gym or pool area.
Hi my name is Zandile & I have a problem with my landlord for not wanting to pay damages & loss that occured while doing maintance caused by their neglegence.
The landlord sent plumbers to put on a new sink I have been asking for since I came in 2013 & they never did. So they removed the old sink & told me the capenter will come the next day & left the pipes & tap without safety cap. The guy who is also a tenant in the building went & open the taps from outside because there was no water & was not informed by the landlord about anything. So it messed everything in the shop & now the landlord is not liable for damages as it says on the claws on my lesse…But what I dont understand this is caused by their neglegence & now I must suffer for the damages & loss.
Do you have renters insurance? This can help cover the cost of replacing your damaged personal belongings? This doesn’t sound like negligence on your landlord’s end but maybe on the plubmber’s for not leaving safety caps on the pipes and taps?
Landlord never repaired roof. Garage and dining room ceilings have came down. Left opening in bathroom where water pipe had burst underneath. Whole wide open. No repairs for 4 years. No peace at rental home. Now landlord passed away and his daughter wants us out in 25 days. Shingles for roof are on top of house now. But wants us out we are seniors. What can we do?
Can a landlord force tenants to pay for a new elevator ( the old elevator was not changed /updated for 60 years) ?
A landlord can raise the rent for any reason as long as your lease agreement allows for it. The landlord can then use this rent increase to make property improvements, like updating the elevator. But a landlord cannot force his tenants to pay for a new property feature.
I guess, if the landlord has proof that a tenant broke the elevator, he can reasonably require that the tenant pay to have it fixed or replaced. But that sounds like a different circumstance than the one you are describing.
My ac went out on a Friday. It was fixed but went out again on Sunday evening. After calling the emergency maintenance number and leaving a message with no response I proceed to get a hotel for the evening. Rent was due and I included a copy of my receipt for the room deducted from my rent. Now I am told they are not covering the cost of the room. What can I do to recoup the money for the hotel room?
Hi Sandi, I’m sorry to hear about your AC troubles. My best recommendation is to contact your local housing authority to find if air conditioning is required to be provided and your rights to withhold/deduct hotel and/or repair costs. They would best be able to help you know your rights and the landlord responsibilities since these topics are state and location specific. In the meantime, this article might shed some light and be helpful: Landlord-Tenant Laws About Rights to Air Conditioning
Hi, Elevators are made to last. They need repair from time to time. Usually they are not replaced but repaired.
My tenant recently reported that the widow on the back door and the glass sliding patio door were both broken due to a pellet shot from the outside (which is there back yard.) After talking to them and the adjoining units tenant, (also owned by me.) I was told that both tenants had shared alcoholic beverages at a party the night prior, (police have been called numerous times for attempted break ins from an abussive exboyfriend of tenant. )and the adjoining tenant also admitted that a visitor to her unit owned a pellet gun.
Am I, as the landlord responsible for the cost to repair?
Chris
It doesn’t sound like you would be responsible. It sounds like you have clear evidence this was tenant caused damage. Your tenant is responsible for their guests and if their guest had a pellet gun, then it should be that’s tenant’s responsibility.
My renter’s office have an on-site maintenance man that does repairs. He came to fix one of the repairs on my ceiling and fail to cover my furniture. There are paint specs on my leather chairs and class table, and they even messed up my daughters coat. I called the renters office and they told me that I was responsible. Am I responsible for these damages?
Do you have renters insurance?
My landlord/onsite property management finally put a letter on every tenants door about the Utah clean air act after two weeks of me complaining. Where they failed also is that the letter states that if a tenant smokes they have to be WITHIN 25 feet of the building. I brought it to their attention and they said the smokers will get the jist of it. I emailed management and said that all the tenant needs to take to court when they try to evict them is the letter with the managements letterhead on it that states the smoking tenant must be WITHIN 25 feet of the building and the management company will probably have to pay for the smoking tenants legal fees and not be evicted. I haven’t heard back nor has there been a corrected letter posted on doors. SMH. and they keep forgetting to inspect what i believe is mold in my unit. They have missed 3 appointments and they have maintenance ONSITE!!! What can i do now? Get a lawyer?
What are you hoping to accomplish? Do you want to break your lease and move out? Then yes, I would suggest getting a lawyer.
I ask for a maintenance check for moisture in the apartment, my land Lord hired a company to check and then charge me with the bill, is this even legal?
I would check your state and local landlord-tenant laws to discover what your landlord can legally charge you.
Thanks!
Can anybody tell me what to do if I rented a private house with no lease owner of property neglected to pay the bank now the bank is auctioning off in 15 days the owners daughter told me 3 or 4 days ago that this was to take place she advised me to not pay rent and in fact encouraged me to take the appliances which are mine. But there was refrigerator & stove here so I’m leaving mine. I’m an elderly widow with health issues which I believe has contributed to my being hospitalized 5 times in 1yr & 7mo with major issues because of mold mildew and rotting wood sinking floors no upkeep on property in the year. Ceilings are setting bad and well house bad need of repairs, deck and laundry room are rotting away. What are my rights. NC County. Need answers quick. Do I pay this months rent?
It sounds as if the bank is now the owner and your landlord until it is auctioned. You may want to reach out to the bank for clarification. Either way, I would certainly recommend you reach out to your local housing authority to find out your rights and responsibilities before, during, and after the auction. Wishing you all the best.
Hi, some months ago both bathroom flood and all tidy stuff expand to the all apartment, the carpet was nasty and I was scared that my son can contract a sickness due lots of bacteria. I call the landlord that take 2 days to send a plumber that at the end of the job certified that was not my responsibility. So is ask for a carpet replacement since was all wet and full of excrement but she agreed only for a clean and dry. Is that legal? Then since they raise all tenants rent without reason (no property works, cleaning etc), I asked for maintenance and ask again for carpet replacement, window fix (was cracked because the frame is not good and make harder to open and close the window) at the end the manager told me that the landlord agreed to fix minor repairs to fix some issues caused by their handyman, to replace the glass of the windows and denied to replace the carpet. Reguarding the window, the manager told me that the landlord will fix it but if next time happens again, they will charge me. So they proceed with small fixes made by the manager and the glass replacement. Today, after 2 months , the manager knock at my door and give me the bill of the glass replacement. So I get mad and I complain asking the reason of the charge, his answer was OH I DON’T KNOW, I RECEIVE THIS IN THE MAIL THIS MORNING. I ask for the landlord number to discuss about this since she agreed to fix on her own and the manager denied. Oh I let her give u a call….this is the answer, all the time i want talk with the landlord they never wanna give me the number. The previous manager just tell me that she (the landlord) don’t wanna talk with tenant so whatever complain is the manager that manage it and receive an answer from the landlord. Anyway since she agreed with the fix of the window, I don’t think that is fair ask me to pay, especially after 2 months. What should I do?
typo: I mean dirty stuff, not tidy
Do you have proof that the manager agreed to pay for the window fix?
I had some MOISTURE problems, so I call for a maintenance check, the Landlord hired another company to check and send me the bill, ($75), in 3 years at this apartments I had never paid for any maintenance visit, I also paid for insurance. I did pay because if I pay late I’ll be slap with a $100 late fee, I wasn’t consulted, neither did they ask for my permission to give acces in my apartment to a third party, let alone advising me that I will have to pay for it. can I deduct that payment I don’t agree with from this month rent? I went and complain and the property manager told me she will send a report to the office, wait the whole month and never got an answer from them.
I would keep following up with the property manager about the charge. I would not deduct the amount from your next month’s rent. Check your state laws to see if you qualify for repair and deduct. Also a note about repair men entering your property, as I understand it, if you submit a maintenance request, the property manager does not necessarily need to provide the standard notice to enter the property to fix or address the maintenance issue that you requested. I would also check your lease agreement to see what it says about who is responsible for paying for a moisture analysis or other non-standard maintenance. Good luck!
Thank you so much! So far I got an apology, but I still need to pay.
I live with my dad and my three kids. The landlord has tried to evict us bc my dad moved me and my kids in 2 years ago. We live in the attic that he called a apartment with no installation. The oven is broken and we have not had heat for 2 years. Our window units that i just replaced came out of my pocket bc he refused to fix the ones that werent workin. He told me i couldnt put in the new ac units. I told him we were not gonna go a whoke summer in 100 degree weather in a attic without ac. He then sent my dad an eviction notice bc of it saying my dad violated the lease and he doesnt have a lease he has a verbal lease. Oh yeah no fire extinguishers and the living room sockets are blown and the bedrooms have one pugin. The ceiling is caving in and there is mold in the bathroom. What can i do about this slumlord.
Check you state laws about verbal lease agreements and under what conditions additional occupants can be added to a verbal lease agreement. You can also speak with your local tenant association or tenant’s union for resources to report your landlord if he is breaking any laws.
I am renting my home out to a family. We lived in the house for 6 years with no significant issues – just the usual maintenance costs. The tenants however have been bombaring us with an almost weekly list of problems they need resolving which, until now, we have been prepared to cover – it’s come to about $5000 in 6 months. This weekend however they went to bed leaving dishes soakin in the sink. They claim the faucet turned itself on and, because the sink was full, it caused a flood resulting in damage to kitchen cabinets, the wooden kitchen floor warping, the ceiling of the basement falling in and the carpet in the basement being saturated. We’re looking at thousands more in repairs. They are saying that the faucet sensor was faulty and that they have no liability for what happened. In the six years we were in the house the faucet did malfunction once, when the sensor batteries were failing (it’s their responsibility to ensure batteries are updated) but no damage was caused as the water just went down the sink. It’s also possible that they left the faucet running manulally and forgot to switch it off. We have no way of knowing. Do we have any basis for asking them to pay (or at least contribute to) the costs arising from this flood.
Do they have renters insurance? That would be the most helpful in actually getting them to pay for some of the damage. If your renters don’t have insurance, I would seriously consider adding an addendum to the lease making it a requirement to obtain a renters insurance policy.
I live in Oklahoma. Our property manager refuses to: clean the black mold growing under every sink, take care of a roach infestation, replace insulation (which hasn’t been done in 20 years), clean our vents, or fix a rafter in the ceiling that is falling down. He says that if he reports it to the property owner then they will issue a 30 day notice and we will be kicked out. What the hell?
Check your state laws about repair and deduct options. You should also report your situation to your local tenant’s resource center or tenant’s union. An owner cannot retaliate and issue you a notice to vacate if you report maintenance issues. And your property manager should never threaten you that the owner might do so, that is illegal!
By law How long do I have to repair an AC unit in the state of Tennessee? I just got the unit replaced with a brand new one and two months later my tenants are complaining about it going out again. I informed them that my AC guy will be out there this evening and they wanted it fixed sooner, and threatened to find accommodation for their stay tonight and have it come out of their rent. Mind you today is a Sunday on a holiday weekend, I’m doing the best I can to get the issue fixed but they are not wanting to work with me.
Most state’s allow the landlord to take a reasonable amount of time to fix a non-emergency issue. Double check your state and local laws. In some state’s a broken a/c does not make the property unlivable, so you might not be required to pay for a hotel for tenants while it is getting fixed.
As a landlord I have to repair the ceiling in one of my tenant’s bedrooms (which I have no problem doing as soon as possible). The tenant says I am responsible for taking the bed apart and clearing the room before the work begins; and put it back together after work is complete. Who is responsible for clearing furniture from the bedroom that needs repairs, the landlord or the tenant?
Apartment is in NYC
I would think it’s the tenant’s responsibility, but I don’t have a state law or local code to reference. I would call your local housing authority to see if they have an answer.
Question: Who is responsible if movers damage common property like a sewer line or outdoor fixtures? Can this be claimed on renter’s insurance in Georgia. Movers damaged a street sewer and are denying they even did it!
I would think it would be the tenant’s responsibility as outlined in the lease agreement. The movers would be considered the tenant’s guest and ultimately their responsibility. The movers should have insurance. If not, then renters insurance might help. You might need to speak with your attorney if the renters refuse to pay their bill, and he or she will advise you on what proof you need.
Hello
I moved in ans all was working. A month and a half into it, there was a storm and the electricity went off. A few days latter the AC stopped working. The owner was very cooperative and helped me brainstorm the issue. Suddenly, the AC begun working again. However, the electricity bill went from $137. to $678. in one month without delays in payments. The consumption of the electricity was similar from previous month. The landlord called an electrician and he declared something was wrong with the AC and the issue was the cause for the bill to be so high. My question, who pays for the extra amount of electricity generated by the damaged AC?
You could ask your landlord if he would be willing to split the bill. You could also call the utility company and explain the problem, to see if they will lower the bill for you.
This is so true! Tenants seriously don’t take care of rented homes. We rented a home to a family 4 years ago and when they left they had broken the kitchen floor tiles, lights, console (my mom chose it herself and it was so beautiful) along with some other minor damages.
Tenant property maintenance is certainly more hectic not cost wise but caution wise cause monthly visit from owner brings the tenant into pressure because he have to make sure that everything is tip top.
I have 2 questions: 1) Can a landlord force you to participate in a “benefits program” that they charge you for i.e. a charge of 15.00 a month for a filter being delivered to you. 2) Can a landlord force you to pay for liability insurance even though you already carry it and provide proof to them annually?
Check your local and state laws for allowable fees in lease agreements.
I am a property manager. New on-site managers notified me this morning that a water heater is not working in a unit. I asked to make sure they checked the circuit breaker and they had. I asked for the measurements of the existing water heater and how many gallons. I immediately went online and ordered a new water heater which will arrive tomorrow morning and scheduled a plumber to do the install on Wednesday morning. It’s as fast as I could remedy the issue. The renter is now declaring that she has the right to go to a hotel till the issue is resolved. How long does a manager in Oregon have to resolve an issue? I thought I have 72 hours. Am I right of wrong?
Hot water is considered an essential service, so you most likely have to get it repaired within 24 hours. Check your local laws regarding the timeline for providing an essential service repair.
I live in Illinois and our air conditioning stopped working as of today 19 days ago and we have excessive heat causing my home to be in the 90’s. They have sent 2 people out and still not fixed, We are not able to stay in the home due to these inhabitable conditions. How long is “reasonable time”? We’ve had excessive heat warning and now they are saying it will be worse. We also have not lived in the home since it broke. Are we allowed to deduct the time away from the home due to them not fixing it from our rent?
Hi Jeanine, Your situation sounds frustrating. I would recommend contacting your local housing authority as they would be able to give you the best advice based on your unique situation and local/state laws.
Most clear article on this topic I could find! Thank you.
Glad you found it helpful, Hannah!
Great to learn the property maintenance things between tenant and landlord. Thank you for the knowledgeable post.
I really appreciate the clarity in the article. There are a lot of challenges in dealing with a rental unit.
My partner and I have lived in our apartment since 2006. My mom moved into building and lived directly below us. In 2017 she had carbon monoxide poisoning due to the furnace in her apartment. She had a CM detector but it didn’t go off for about a week and a half after my mom started acting odd. No maintenance was ever done on her furnace prior to the carbon monoxide poisoning but the furnace was replaced the day after we took my mom to the hospital. There are 7 other units in the apartment building but the landlord did not have any of the other furnaces checked out even after the poisoning. Is there any law about this?
I always recommend that heating and air conditioning units get serviced by a licensed professional once a year. It’s on the landlord or property owner to schedule these important maintenance tasks. I suggest you check with your local Tenant’s Rights Union to see how to address your specific issue and see if there are any local laws that require routine maintenance of major appliances.
My renters called me and said that the shower was leaking. They (accidentally) knocked a hole in the wall an said there was mold. The renters called an abatement company, the renters were told to leave. Am I responsible for putting them up in another place for a month until the property is fixed??
I’m sorry you have to deal with that situation Sherrie. There are no federal regulations and few states have solid guidelines. I would check your state department of environmental protection or department of public health for rules and regulations.
With or without state or local guidelines I would highly recommend contacting your insurance carrier to see if your policy covers the abatement and repairs, off-site housing, and loss of rental income.
From there, you may want to speak with an attorney versed in property management/real estate law for advice. I hope the repairs and situation clears up quickly for you.
Additional Reading: Mold and Your Rental Home
Can a landlord tell you how much stuff you can have in rental house like in basement or attic? Even if walkways are clear?
Hi Andrea, having a clear walkway is a great start. However, landlords are also concerned about health and safety issues such as fire hazards, mold and mildew, pest control, access to utilities, and much more when it comes to clutter and storage. It is important for a landlord with a health or safety concern regarding the amount of storage, the manner in which items are stored, or the types of items to communicate those concerns with the tenant.
Thank you very much
Hello, i currently rent a house that has a rodent problem, it has taken more then 3 weeks for the landlord to address the problem. because of how unsanitary it has been i had to leave and stay with family member. i paid my rent and the issues has still not been resolved. can i ask for my money back and move out before the 30 days (CA).
State laws are specific on the landlords’ responsibilities for what is called ‘implied warranty of habitability’. I recommend reaching out to your local housing authority to find out what California requires of the landlord on timelines and what you can do to help that along.
Because the landlord has/is attempting to remedy the situation the lease is still binding. However, I recommend talking to the landlord about your concern and see if they will come to an agreement with you to let you out of the lease. Hope that helps!
Rental property maintenance is really stressing, especially for tenant. I’ve always had problems with landlords in condos. Maybe apartments are better in this regard.
The pool pump motor died at the home we are renting. When the landlord came out to replace it he informed us that he had been fined by the HOA for a dirty driveway, sidewalk. We knew nothing about any HOA violations. He then said that in exchange for the new motor we should pay for the pressure washing. Pressure washing the house, driveway or sidewalk isn’t included in the lease. Mai ting the yard and flower beds is included. I am also not comfortable with exchanging anything for the necessary repair/replacement of mechanical parts to his pool pump-or anything which would fall under his responsibility. What is a nice way to say, “No” without straining the relationship?
I agree Jo, exchanges can create inequity and a strained relationship. This seems a bit odd all around. Owners within an HOA (your landlord) are usually responsible for power washing (including power washing the entire exterior).
So, my first suggestion is to carefully review your lease to see if it states you are responsible for HOA regulations, rules, etc. Then, contact your local housing authority to ask if that is legally appropriate. If so, ask your landlord for a copy of those HOA documents such as the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions) and HOA rules and regulations so you can understand your responsibilities and comply going forward to avoid further violations or fees.
If all indication points to your responsibility, if it were me, I would let them know that I’d be more comfortable taking responsibility for the violation fee than an exchange. I would also ask for a copy of the violation/fee notice and ask your landlord to give you as much notice as possible going forward so you can remedy it before the HOA imposes a penalty.
However, if you can’t find it in your lease that those HOA regulations are your responsibility or your local housing authority says the responsibility belongs to the landlord, this becomes a little more complicated in working out a win/win; especially if the owner is determined to force the issue. Getting copies of those HOA documents and information from the local housing authority might prove helpful when speaking with the landlord. I can’t offer legal advice but at that point, you might need to involve the HOA or legal council as a mediator.
Hello, I’ve lived in my duplex going on 2.5 years today the brought a paper staying they were charging 50$ a month for a air filter. I buy my own air filter same brand they use but they said even if I pay for it I still owe them 50$ a month is this correct can they charge me for a service they don’t provide?
Each state (and some cities/counties) has different rules about what can be charged and how much notice is required before those charges begin. I would suggest you reach out to your local housing authority to learn more.
Hi . I dnt have AC UNIT WORKING SINCE LAST 8 days . What action can I take? m dealing with management company . The response I got is the owner warranty company taking time . I m in Texas u know how hot it gets here
I’m sorry to hear your AC isn’t working. Yes, Texas can be very hot indeed.
Here’s what I found on the subject:
Air conditioning is not a required appliance in Texas. However, if the lease mentions that air conditioning is available, the landlord must ensure it is in working order and service and repair as needed (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0561.3(C)).
Having said that, if it is in the lease, be sure to put your request in writing and keep a copy. Secondly, check with your local housing authority to see if there are exceptions in your area.
I live in Texas, and have rentals. I will say that I take very good care of my Tenants and the houses that I rent. I will say that no matter what anyone tells you, or what you think to do, Always put a request or complaint with request in writing, Make 3 copies. One to mail to landlord or management company via Certified mail with return receipt; and make a copy of the certified mail and date stamped receipt. When you get the returned confirmation in the mail, keep it all together. At the same time take the other Two copies with you, and go to the landlord or property management company ( if local) and give one to them as a notice, with your signature for them to keep, and the other have them sign and date as confirmation that they received it from you. Keep your copy with the certified mail you have. Always send any notice certified mail with return receipt. Even if you hand deliver the same paperwork. Time is of the essence for you as a tenant and you will always want and need to cover your bases and be able to show a timeline of your actions. Keep a log. Day Time Person Place and what the discussion was, along with who you talked to. It really bothers me to know that landlords or property owners often do not consider what the tenants are dealing with when it comes to appliances breaking, or any other life situation that happens without notice. We all have those times when a little common decency as a mutual human being should be given or at least considered. It’s not all about the money you can make by charging more at the spur of the moment, raising rent just for more money… I wish people would be a little more thoughtful in certain circumstances. I’ve had renters for as long as 10 years. They take care of the property and appreciate being taken care of in return, If they don’t take care of the place they rent from me, then they won’t live there long. That is something I make perfectly clear from the start.
Thank you, Jeanette — I can tell from your post that you are both thoughtful and kind — both wonderful landlord qualities. I agree that on both sides (landlord and tenant), good documentation is important as clear communication and delegation of responsibilities are vital in keeping a good relationship.
My landlord Was told about the ceiling and the air not working.The pipes in wall busting.The back porch in bad condition.She lie about calling the air condition manThis happen in april 2020 and she still has not fit it and today is July 2021.Me and husband is living in this house with temp reaching 97 98 degrees.,All she talk about is putting us out we both have health problem.She don’t care about us living like this all she care about is putting us out..I live in Maryland.She lie about when the lease run out She said the lease ran out in July 2020.in text message,But she goes to court and lie and said the lease runs out in Sept 2021 She put that on the paper at the court house when she try to get us set us out.She write and text smart remarks.
What can i do.We both are in Emotoinal ditress
I live (rent a room) on a farm in NorCal. We’ve been without reliable water use for about 7 days and this is an ongoing problem. We are on a well system and need a pump to get water to the house.
One day without notice we (the tenants) were told that we were going to lose power for a while. The landlord did not specify a time or how long.
Later we were told that the pump was broken (about 6p.). Later that night the live on property “ handyman fixed the water pump (about 10:30p.)
The next morning it was off again as the on-site handyman left early in the morning( (about 7a.) then was gone for about 4 hours. The landlord who pays for a business phone for the handyman to use , said she had notified him but nothing happened until later in the afternoon (about 4p.)
My issue is that there is no notice for any power or water disruption (she does not believe in tenants rights, her response is you can find other places to live).
I’ve been here for about 3 years and have never seen any capital improvements to the house or property (landlord was allowing illegal trailers on the property.
There is no heat, no insulation (winter temps can get to mid-30’s in the house) the stove had suffered from a fire and not operable. I’m sables and none of this was disclosed to me when I decided to rent.
Can I deduct motel expenses for inconvenience from my next months rent (just based on the irregular availability of water use)?
Hi Robert, some states allow landlords to shut-off utilities for emergencies and emergency repairs without notice. But it sounds like there might be more going on here so I recommend contacting your local housing authority to ask about the regulations in your state about these shut-offs and landlord responsibilities regarding maintenance, repairs, and providing a heating source. They will also let you know if your state allows you to pay for repairs and deduct the amount from your rent.
Landscaping is part of our contract, The landlord said that he was scheduling a clean up, trimming and asked what date worked best. it was done no problems, the next month he sent me a bill of $300.00. I asked him why? I never agreed or knew that he would be billing me for it he replied because there was decorations in lawn and landscapers weren’t able to do normal maintenance. During October we had some decorations in lawn. Is he allowed to this?
Antonia, it would depend on your lease terms and local and state regulations on landlord responsibilities. I would review your documentation (lease, rules, addendums) about decor, yard items, tidiness, etc. And if that doesn’t give you the answer, you could reach out to your local housing authority to discuss your situation as they would know the local and state regulations on what the landlord can charge based on your lease terms.