Maintenance Myths: What Landlords Should and Shouldn’t Pay For
When it comes to rental property maintenance, there's a lot of confusion around who pays for what. Landlords and tenants often find themselves at odds, especially when expectations haven’t been clearly set. As a property management company, we often hear things like:
“Shouldn’t the tenant pay for that?”
“That’s just normal wear and tear—why should I be charged?”
Let’s clear up the confusion by breaking down some common maintenance myths and clarifying what landlords should—and shouldn’t—pay for.
π οΈ Myth #1: Tenants Should Pay for All Damages
β Truth:
Tenants are responsible for damage caused by negligence or misuse, like holes in the wall, broken blinds, or pet-related damage.
However, landlords must cover repairs due to normal wear and tear or issues beyond a tenant’s control (e.g., plumbing failure, appliance breakdown due to age).
Landlord Pays For:
Worn-out carpet or flooring
Leaky roof or aging plumbing
HVAC servicing (unless negligence is proven)
Tenant Pays For:
Crayon or marker stains on walls
Broken windows caused by carelessness
Clogged toilets caused by improper use
π§― Myth #2: If It Breaks, It’s Always the Tenant’s Fault
β Truth:
Things break—it’s part of owning real estate. Not everything is due to tenant misuse. Landlords are responsible for maintaining habitable living conditions, regardless of fault.
Example:
A 10-year-old water heater fails. That’s not a tenant’s fault—it’s expected depreciation.
π‘ Myth #3: Tenants Should Replace Lightbulbs and Batteries
β Truth:
This one depends on your lease. In most cases:
Tenants should replace lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries during the lease.
Landlords should ensure everything is working at move-in and during turnover.
Pro Tip: Outline this in your lease to avoid disputes.
π Myth #4: Appliance Repairs Are Always the Tenant’s Responsibility
β Truth:
If the appliance came with the unit, the landlord is responsible for repairs or replacement, unless there’s proof of misuse.
If the tenant brings their own appliance (like a personal washer), then it’s their responsibility to maintain or repair it.
πΏ Myth #5: Minor Repairs Aren’t the Landlord’s Problem
β Truth:
Even small repairs matter. If ignored, they can become major (and expensive) problems. Tenants might also have legal grounds to withhold rent if repairs affect habitability.
Landlords must fix:
Leaking faucets
Broken locks
Pest infestations
Malfunctioning appliances included with the unit
π Myth #6: You Can Deduct Everything from the Security Deposit
β Truth:
Security deposits can only be used for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Deducting for repainting a faded wall or cleaning a mildly dusty baseboard? Not legal.
Be sure to:
Document everything with move-in and move-out photos.
Provide an itemized list of any deductions.
Know your state’s laws on timeframes and allowable charges.
π¬ Final Thoughts
Being a landlord means walking the line between maintaining your investment and managing fair expectations with tenants. Clear leases, good communication, and knowing your responsibilities are key to avoiding costly mistakes—or strained relationships.
If you’re ever unsure about a repair or maintenance responsibility, consult your state’s landlord-tenant laws or reach out to a professional property management team.