Navigating Landlord Maintenance Issues: What You Can Do

If you find yourself in a situation where your landlord is not maintaining the property as expected, it can be frustrating and challenging. It's important to understand the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord, as well as steps you can take to address these issues effectively.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities

When it comes to maintenance, tenant and landlord responsibilities often differ based on the type of issue and the terms of the lease agreement. A common misconception among tenants is that landlords are responsible for every maintenance issue within their unit. However, this is not always the case.

For instance, if a light bulb burns out in the rental unit, the tenant usually has the responsibility to replace it. The lease agreement typically outlines what each party is responsible for maintaining. Common items include but are not limited to:

Light bulbs (particularly in the rental unit) Small appliances (such as microwaves provided by the tenant) Doors, windows, and locks (if they are not part of the provided fixtures) Leakage from faucets and other water fixtures

However, landlords are typically responsible for major repairs and maintenance, such as:

Leaky roofs Structural issues Broken major appliances (such as washing machines and refrigerators) Heavy snow or ice removal from the main walkways and entrances

Handling Specific Maintenance Issues

Let's look at a specific scenario:

What to Do When a Light Bulb Burns Out

Imagine a tenant calls and says that the light bulb in their kitchen has burnt out. This is a simple task that can be handled by the tenant. Here are some steps they can follow:

Check the lease agreement to see what is covered under landlord and tenant responsibilities. Go to the store to purchase a new light bulb. Install the new light bulb. If they are unsure of how to do it, they can refer to the package instructions or seek assistance from a professional. Keep a record of their efforts and time spent in case the landlord demands proof of the work done or if they need to file a complaint.

If the light bulb burns out in the hallway, that responsibility usually falls on the landlord. This is because the hallway is not part of the tenant's rental unit but is common property of the building.

Handling Snow Removal

Regarding snow removal, many tenants expect the landlord to clear the sidewalks and parking lots. However, this can depend on local ordinances and the terms of the lease agreement. Generally, tenants are responsible for snow and ice removal near their individual driveways or carport areas. Landlords are responsible for removing snow and ice from common walkways and entrances.

To make the process easier and more efficient, landlords can provide guidelines to tenants. For instance, once one side of the parking lot is cleared, tenants can be asked to move their vehicles to the other side. This allows the landlord to clear the rest of the lot when it is free of obstructions.

For elderly or disabled tenants who may have difficulty moving their vehicles, landlords can offer temporary assistance or alternative solutions to ensure safety and accessibility.

Steps to Take When a Landlord Fails to Maintain the Property

Here are some actionable steps a tenant can take if the landlord is consistently not maintaining the property:

Review the lease agreement to understand what is expected of the landlord and tenant. Send a formal written notice to the landlord, outlining the specific issues and requesting action. Contact local housing authorities or tenant unions for advice and support. Document all communications and maintenance issues with the landlord, keeping copies of emails, letters, and receipts. If necessary, file a complaint with the local housing or health department.

Ultimately, clear communication and understanding of responsibilities are key to resolving maintenance issues in a residential rental property. By following these guidelines, tenants and landlords can maintain a positive relationship and ensure that the living space remains safe and functional.