As a renter, you may not feel much sense of responsibility for the home you're currently living in. Assumptions lead to thinking that when any problem arises, the landlord must fix it.
Most states require that landlords keep their properties habitable. While that covers many things around the house, some tasks will be your responsibility as the tenant. Let's look at some of these to determine where that invisible line falls.
1. Dead Batteries
Tenants are generally required to fix things they break. And even though you can’t cause batteries to die, you’re probably abusing the landlord/tenant relationship if you call to ask your landlord to replace smoke detector batteries unless it's specified in the lease that the landlord will handle this task, for instance, smoke detectors placed on a high, vaulted ceiling that would be dangerous for the tenant to access. Otherwise, keep a stock of batteries and replace them when you hear that first incessant chirp.
2. Burned Out Light Bulbs
Yes, you should replace burned-out light bulbs, unless you live in military housing, which might handle replacement requests.
If you replace the light bulbs with a particular kind you want, like long-lasting, low-energy bulbs, you have every right to take them out and move them with you. Just replace them with the original bulbs before you leave the rental.
3. Broken Appliances—Sometimes
Broken appliances could go either way. While most landlords assume responsibility for major appliances in the rental, some include a clause in the lease stating that appliances are there for the tenant’s use but are not part of the rent. This clause means that if something breaks, the tenant is financially responsible for fixing it.
While issues caused by user error will probably fall to the tenant, malfunctions because of age may swing the other way. Review your lease thoroughly to know what's expected if the dishwasher stops running.
4. Running Toilets
You flush the toilet and notice minutes later that the water never stopped running. Don't call your landlord just yet. Toggle the handle or pump. If that doesn’t work and the problem persists, then get in touch with your landlord.
5. Bathroom Caulking
Caulking isn’t something your landlord is required to fix unless the water is leaking through and creating damage. You should always take care of your shower and clean it regularly. But if the caulking is starting to peel or you're noticing mold or grime, let your landlord know and find out if they would prefer to handle it or let you replace it yourself.
Always notify the landlord about any issues that could cause water damage to the home.
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6. Broken Window
Generally speaking, landlords are required to repair a broken window in their rental property. But if your kids throw a rogue ball and break a window, you're likely on the hook for paying for it, depending on the lease agreement.
Inform your landlord about what happened to see how they want to go about repairing it. Most likely, they’ll coordinate the repair and either let you pay for it or have you reimburse them.
7. Minor Plumbing Clogs
Chances are high that backed-up plumbing is because of something you did or didn’t do. Be smart and throw big pieces of food in the trash before rinsing your plate in the sink to avoid food build-up. If you bathe your dogs in the shower, clean up the hair rather than letting it slip down the drain. Simple acts like this should help avoid minor clogs.
If your preventative measures fail and you notice the water draining slower or a bad smell, there's likely a clog. If it persists, always contact your landlord.
8. Holes in the Drywall
The drywall is fragile. If the kids throw a toy too hard or rough-house too much, you may end up with a small hole in your wall. This scenario isn’t something your landlord needs to pay for. If you feel confident in your ability, you can probably patch it yourself. However, as with other problems, it's best to notify your landlord about the damage. Honesty is the best policy!
9. Dinged Baseboards
Dings in the baseboards are all too common. Perhaps you’ve run the vacuum and hit them, or your puppies use them to teethe, but this problem is a relatively inexpensive fix. Instead of replacing them, you can repair the occasional ding and dent with epoxy putty and paint.
10. Pest Infestations
Keeping the home habitable and free of pests is generally the landlord's responsibility. However, the length of time allowed to address pest problems varies state to state. Responsibility for pest control can normally only be passed off to the tenant if it's proven the resident's actions caused the infestation.
Say that pests were not an issue upon move-in. Instead, your neglect or poor habits created a welcome home for unwanted visitors like roaches, ants, or rats. In this case, the landlord will likely make getting them under control your financial responsibility.
Treat the Home Like It's Yours
As a renter, you certainly aren’t responsible for as much around the property as the homeowner. Many people choose to rent for this reason. That said, it's still the place you choose to call home, and as long as you treat it as such, the question of who covers which repairs may never come up.
When in doubt, call your landlord.
Always let the landlord know if there are any significant problems in the rental. Be familiar with your state’s laws and lease terms, so it's clear what’s expected of you as a tenant in military houses for rent.
Are you having bigger issues than minor repairs in your rental? Unfortunately, it happens. Take a look at How to Deal with an Unresponsive Landlord.
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