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Paying for damages to a rental property has always been a widely contested topic among landlords and tenants. While the homeowners claim the people residing in the unit are responsible to pay for any repair or maintenance work that may arise, the tenants claim that the landlords should be physically and financially responsible for such affairs.
Needless to say, this landlord vs tenant argument can potentially turn into an endless cycle if both parties don’t agree on a few basic rules. It is important to understand that the nature of the problem can help one figure out who is responsible to fix it. If you are dealing with a burnt lightbulb or broken cabinet handle, the tenants should be able to handle it without involving the landlord. However, if there are serious plumbing or electrical issues, the landlord may have to pay for them.
Let’s take a closer look at what repairs are tenants responsible for and discuss what to do if the landlord refuses repairs among other frequently asked questions.
When Repairs are Landlords Responsible for?
It is the primary duty of a landlord to ensure their property is safe and habitable. Although your rental agreement may shed a better light on it, the repair for structural damages almost always falls under the domain of the property owner. Similarly, if an issue arises with the plumbing, flooring, or major appliances, the proprietor may have to spend money to fix it.
Here are some of the most common rental repairs that are considered the responsibility of the landlord.
- Pest infestation
- Plumbing issues
- Electrical issues
- Heating repairs
- Visible mould
It is also important to mention that the landlord may only fix these problems if they are not a direct result of the renter’s negligence. Moreover, the property owner must assess the extent of the damage and determine the urgency of the situation before taking any action. For example, if the tenant has discovered faulty plumbing, it is advised to remedy the situation as soon as possible as water damage can weaken the foundation of your home.
Landlords must also take into account that rental maintenance is among their essential responsibilities, especially if they want to foster positive relations with their tenants and prevent them from finding another accommodation. Open communication is also a key to avoiding any disagreements or conflicts that may arise due to rental repair requests.
When Repairs Are Tenants Responsible For?
Living in a rental property may exempt tenants from a slew of responsibilities that they may otherwise have to bear. However, just because one doesn’t own the place that they live in doesn’t mean they should neglect to care for it. It is the resident’s duty to clean the home and keep it in good shape to avoid any degradation. If they come across any major issues, they must inform the landlord immediately.
Here are some of the most common examples of repairs renters usually have to pay for:
- Burnt-out lights
- Damages caused by pets
- Damage caused by the tenant or their guests
- Stains or smells from smoking
- Any issue that arose due to the carelessness of the tenant
The tenants are also responsible for preventing extensive damage to the rental property. Nevertheless, if they fail to alert the homeowner about the dilapidated state of their home, they could end up paying for the damages out of their own pockets.
Therefore, it is ideal for tenants to thoroughly read the rental agreement and abide by its terms to avoid any property damage. If an appliance stops functioning due to overuse or a window pane breaks due to the carelessness of the dwellers, they may be legally required to pay for the rental repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about landlord vs tenant rights and responsibilities.
Can landlords make renters pay for damages?
Yes, a landlord can make their tenant take responsibility for the repairs if the rental agreement clearly states that they will pay for certain repairs. Although if the renter refuses to pay despite the clause in the agreement, the property owner can consider serving them with an eviction notice and/or deducting the cost of repairs from the safety deposit. However, since communication is key, both parties should consider having a calm discussion and sorting things out among themselves before resorting to any extreme measures.
What to do if the landlord refuses repairs?
If a homeowner refuses to pay for the repairs that they are legally obliged to, the tenant usually has two options: they can either opt to take legal action against the landlord or pay for the damages themselves and deduct the amount from the monthly rent.
Can a tenant make unauthorised repairs?
It is mandatory for renters to inform the landlords before making any major repairs. Unless it is something inconsequential, such as replacing a lightbulb, both parties must consult with each other. Nonetheless, if the tenant makes any unauthorised repairs, the landlord must ensure it does not go against the rental agreement and local laws. If the repair violates any clause or rule, the homeowner can decide to terminate the contract or involve authorities.
You can also check more frequently asked questions about landlord-tenant issues in Pakistan here.
To conclude, most landlord vs tenant disputes can be resolved with proper communication and documentation. Setting clear rules upfront ensures a successful relationship between both parties.
Meanwhile, if you seek more information on renting out your property, here are a few guides you might find helpful.
- How to Become a Responsible Tenant
- Common Pain Points for Tenants and How to Fix Them
- When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant?
- Why Tenants Move Out of Rentals?
To learn more about rental properties in your city, please stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best real estate blog in Pakistan. Moreover, feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us by emailing blog@zameen.com. Last but not least, don’t hesitate to visit and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about the latest trends in the property market.
