Tenant Or Landlords: Who Should Pay For Repairs

A contentious subject between landlords and tenants has always been who is responsible for paying for damage to a rented property. The tenants contend that the landlords should be both financially and physically liable for such matters, notwithstanding the homeowners' assertion that anyone living in the apartment is responsible for paying for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Needless to say, if both parties can't agree on a few fundamental guidelines, this landlord vs. tenant conflict might easily get out of control. It is crucial to realize that determining who is in charge of solving a problem depends on its nature. Tenants need should be allowed to handle minor repairs like a burned-out lightbulb or a broken cabinet handle without contacting the landlord. However, the landlord can be required to cover them if there are significant plumbing or electrical difficulties.

Let's examine what repairs tenants are liable for in more detail and go through other often asked topics, such as what to do if the landlord refuses to make repairs.

WHEN ARE LANDLORDS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS?

A landlord's primary responsibility is to make sure the property is secure and livable. Although your rental agreement may provide more clarity on this, it is nearly always the property owner's responsibility to make repairs for structural damage. Similar to this, the owner might have to pay money to address problems with the plumbing, flooring, or large appliances.

Here are a few of the most typical repairs for rental properties that are thought to be the landlord's responsibility.

insect invasion

plumbing problems

electric problems

repair of heating

visible mold

Notably, the landlord may only correct these issues if they are not directly attributable to the tenant's fault. Before taking any action, the property owner must also evaluate the severity of the damage and the urgency of the problem. For instance, if the tenant has identified damaged plumbing, it is advisable to fix the problem as quickly as possible because water damage might weaken your home's foundation.

Landlords must also be aware that rental maintenance is one of their primary duties, particularly if they want to develop goodwill with their renters and discourage them from looking for alternative housing. A key to preventing any disputes or problems brought on by demands for rental-related repairs is open communication.

WHEN ARE TENANTS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS?

Tenants who reside in rental properties may be excluded from a variety of duties that they might otherwise have to carry out. But just because a person rents their home, that doesn't mean they shouldn't take care of it. To prevent any degradation, it is the resident's responsibility to keep the house clean and in good condition. They must notify the landlord right away if they run into any significant problems.

The most typical types of repairs that renters typically must pay for are listed below:

ruined lights

pet-related damages

damage brought on by the renter or visitors

Smoking-related stains or odors

Any problem that resulted from the tenant's negligence

The rental property's substantial damage must be avoided by the tenants as well. But if they don't let the homeowner know about the poor condition of their house, they might have to foot the bill for the repairs themselves.

In order to prevent any property damage, it is best for tenants to carefully read the rental agreement and adhere to its requirements. They may be legally compelled to pay for the rental repairs if an appliance breaks down from overuse or a window pane breaks from negligence on the part of the occupants.

SUBSTANTIAL QUESTIONS

The rights and obligations of landlords and tenants are discussed in the following commonly asked questions.

CAN LANDLORDS REQUIRE TENANTS TO PAY DAMAGES?

If the rental agreement expressly indicates that they would be responsible for particular repairs, then a landlord may require their renter to pay for them. The landlord may provide the tenant with an eviction notice and/or deduct the cost of repairs from the security deposit if the renter refuses to pay notwithstanding the agreement's provision. However, as communication is essential, both parties ought to think about sitting down and working things out amicably before taking any drastic action.

IF THE LANDLORD REFUSES REPAIRS, WHAT DO I DO?

Tenants often have two options if a homeowner refuses to make the repairs for which they are legally responsible: either they can choose to sue the landlord or choose to pay for the damages themselves and deduct the cost from their monthly rent.

A TENANT MAY MAKE UNAPPROVED REPAIRS.

Renters are required to notify the landlords before performing any significant repairs. Both parties must consult one another, unless it is a minor matter, like changing a lightbulb. However, the landlord must make sure that any unauthorized repairs made by the tenant do not violate the terms of the rental agreement or any laws. The homeowner has the option to end the contract or contact authorities if the repair breaks any clauses or rules.

Here are some additional frequently asked concerns about problems with landlords and tenants in Pakistan.

In conclusion, with good communication and documentation, the majority of landlord-tenant problems can be settled. Establishing clear ground rules up front ensures that both sides' relationships be successful.

Here are a few guides you could find useful in the interim if you're looking for more information about renting out your house.

How to Be an Accountable Tenant

Common Tenant Complaints and How to Address Them

How soon may a landlord evict a tenant?

Why Do Tenants Leave Rental Properties?