What Renters Should Know About Home Maintenance

What's usually the landlord's responsibility

• Major systems: HVAC, water heater, electrical, plumbing infrastructure
• Structural issues: roof, foundation, windows, exterior doors
• Appliances that came with the unit (unless damage is due to misuse)
• Pest control, in most jurisdictions, for pre-existing infestations

What's usually the renter's responsibility

• Replacing HVAC filters regularly, even though the system itself isn't yours
• Basic cleanliness that prevents mold, pest attraction, or unit damage
• Reporting problems promptly — delaying a report can shift liability for resulting damage onto you in some leases
• Light bulbs, batteries in smoke detectors, and similarly minor upkeep

Exact responsibilities vary significantly by lease and local landlord-tenant law — your specific lease agreement is the actual authority here, not general assumptions.

Document everything, from day one

Photograph the unit's condition when you move in, including anything already damaged or worn. This protects your deposit and gives you a clear record if a dispute comes up later about what was pre-existing versus what happened during your tenancy.

Report problems in writing

A text or email creates a timestamped record that a verbal conversation doesn't. If something is genuinely urgent (no heat, active leak, no hot water), most jurisdictions expect a faster response and clearer documentation matters even more.

Know the safety issues worth escalating immediately

A gas smell, sparking outlets, no functioning smoke detectors, or no heat in cold weather are not "wait for a convenient time" issues — report these immediately and follow up if you don't get a prompt response.