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Free responsibility guide
Landlord vs. Tenant Repair Responsibilities Checklist
A landlord vs. tenant repair responsibility checklist to clarify who pays for common rental repairs and document tenant-caused damage.
Usually the landlord's responsibility
- Structural and roof repairs
- Heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Water heater and provided major appliances
- Pest infestations not caused by the tenant
- Smoke/CO detectors and safety compliance
- Habitability and code issues
Often the tenant's responsibility
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Clogs and backups from misuse
- Items broken through negligence
- Unauthorized alterations
- Consumables named in the lease (bulbs, filters)
- Damage from unapproved pets or guests
Document every disputed repair
- Photos before and after
- What caused the issue
- The relevant lease clause
- Cost and who was charged
- Tenant communication and response
FixFlow ties each repair to the lease clause and cost, so a tenant-responsibility charge is documented if it's ever disputed.