Are tenants responsible for repairs? Both tenants and the landlord are obliged in any damages and maintenance. However, there is a basis for whom the cost of the repairs should reflect.
Tenants are responsible for repairs in this specific example. The tenant suddenly broke the window panes of his room while playing with his son. The tenants are responsible for repairs because of the carelessness that happened. Another example is that when there is a natural calamity such as typhoons and earthquakes causing the roof to tear off and some parts of the room destroyed, basically, the house is owned by the landlord and it has to be him obliged to ask for contractors to repair the house to retain trust and good relationship with his tenant.
Apart from these examples, there are still people renting to any establishments and landlords who don’t know their roles and responsibilities when it comes to this concern.
What are the responsibilities of the landlord?
– Landlord must know his duties as being the captain of the ship. Before the house is occupied, he has to make sure to comply with the building and housing codes in their area. Rental home repairs need to be done before tenants should take over.
– Every part of the house should be in a fit and habitable condition not just to impress the renters but especially to secure the safety of the people. Keep all common areas in the premises clean and in a safe condition.
– The landlord has to repair any electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, sanitary, air conditioning and other facilities supplied for the ease of use of the tenants and comfortability. Pests including bugs, cockroaches, and mice should be removed for it may pose health hazards to the tenants.
– When tenants take over the premises, any facilities damaged or destroyed above mentioned that affect a rental unit’s liveability and do need rental home repairs, it is the landlord’s duty to fix any concerns at no cost to the renters.
What are the responsibilities of the tenant?
– Tenants are obligated to keep the rental unit and its premises clean. It includes the proper disposal of garbage and other waste. Tenants are responsible for repairs when they break anything that creates hazard for cleanliness in the premises.
– The rented space should be free from pests, insects, and molds. If there is existence in the area, promptly inform the landlord for immediate resolution. The landlord must do rental property repairs to ensure the safety of the tenant living from health hazards.
– Tenants shall handle with care every vicinity and facility he or she is using such as the electrical, heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, etc.
– Do not destroy the property with personal reasons or any. Prevent other people like your friends and neighbors damage any facility.
– Whatever things like appliances and facilities that he breaks or damage, he is responsible for the repairs.
– Always follow the lease agreement from your landlord.
– Pay the rent on time as well as the cost of rental property repairs.
– Anything that seems to danger your health and safety living, always inform the landlord for the best actions to take.
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When can a landlord make a tenant pay for repairs?
Tenants have the right to determine on what instances they are responsible for the cost of rental home repairs. Property repairs are not that cheap. However, unwanted costs can’t be tolerated.
There are two steps to follow to know who is responsible for paying the cost of repairs and damages.
1. Identify the problem
2. Check the lease agreement for tenant repairs
1. Identify the problem.
Figure out what the problem is and how bad it is.
Major Problems:
If the problem is because of natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and any other forms, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ask for help from engineers and contractors to do the repairs.
When the tenant suddenly lit up the house on fire that destroys the whole area or on some parts only, it is obvious that the tenant repairs and should cover the damages.
Major problems such as water leaks, plumbing issues, and broken toilets are onto the landlord’s responsibility.
Pests and insects can be part of both minor and major issues. Generally, it is the responsibility of the landlord to get rid of these sanitary concerns. Yet, maintaining the cleanliness of the area should be catered by both parties.
Heating and electrical systems on different weather conditions are to be taken care of by the landlord.
Note: There are lots of major problems that can cause damages to the rental unit.
Minor Problems:
When it comes to minor problems, calling the landlord is not necessary to be specific. Handle what you can. Tenants repair what they can.
For example, there are screws detached from hardware, you can fix it yourself. Light bulbs need to be replaced in your room, get up and change it. Stains on the carpet, dust in your rooms, or any cleaning concerns can be resolved personally. Every minor issue can be done independently as long as you are a concern and willing to do so.
However, if there is a leak on the ceiling, molds in the bathroom or anywhere on the rented space, inform immediately the attention of the landlord. They are responsible for knowing the root cause of these concerns.
2. Check the lease agreement for tenant repairs
The tenant and the landlord should check their lease agreement. The scope and limitations of both parties are written on the lease agreement. Therefore the agreement is very important when it comes to this concern. It is not your responsibility unless the contract states otherwise.
Here is a sample letter when you request for any repairs.
SAMPLE ON TENANTS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REPAIR LETTER
Your Name
Current address, Unit No.
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Landlord’s Name
Address in the Lease Agreement
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Maintenance/Repair Request
Dear [Name of the landlord],
I am writing this letter to formally request repairs to the (issue/needed to be repaired) due to (the reason for the repair).
(Describe the issue clearly and state if it is urgent or not)
I have already left a message (by other people/by phone) and just need here the final confirmation from you.
I would greatly appreciate your prompt response to this letter. I hope this can be fixed (date of urgency). If you have any questions regarding this letter, contact me at (contact number).
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Name with Signature
NOTE:
Be Responsible.
The rental unit is all set by the time you enter it. The landlord expects the place to be in the same condition when you moved out as you moved in. In other words, be responsible enough in living on the rented property. Treat it as your own home.
Always ask for confirmation.
In some instances, you have to ask for confirmation from the landlord when you do any repairs. The landlord may prefer to have it fixed by his trusted contractors.
Question: Are tenants responsible for repairs? Yes, mostly when it is their fault. However, from the example above, you want to repair the broken window pane on your own. The window you’ve replaced may not have much the exterior and interior look of the house. The landlord will not feel your effort at all. Another example is when you like to paint a new color for your walls. Ask for confirmation first in order not to trouble the landlords.
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