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When apartments are rented, it is common to determine who is responsible for damages and who would pay for the repairs. Usually, it is the landlord’s obligation to repair since it is their responsibility to maintain a good and livable environment for the tenants.
At the same time, the tenants may also be liable for repairs and pay for the repairs under some circumstances, especially if they are at fault. To know when such circumstances can arise for tenants to be held liable for repairs, read on.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for tenant insurance that can help you out in such situations and offer coverage for a lot more stuff to give yourself the ultimate peace of mind, then do visit https://www.surex.com/british-columbia-tenant-insurance to get the best rates and quotation on your tenant insurance.
Some Common Tenant Repairs Responsibilities
The following are some of the most common situations when a tenant has responsibilities to conduct repair jobs in the rented apartment:
1. Damage Caused By The Tenant Or Their Guests
Suppose there is any damage caused to the apartment’s structure or any object inside the living premise or damage to any appliance caused by the tenant or any guest of the tenant. In that case, the tenants are held responsible for such repairs.
These damages include ones that could not happen if it wasn’t for some external force— for example, a cracked countertop. But a tenant is not responsible for something like a leaking water pipe. Also, the damages should not be normal wear and tear of any article.
2. Pests And Mould
Tenants should be mindful of keeping the living area clean and hygienic. They should never allow for the infestation of pests or the buildup of mould. To prevent this, they should avoid situations that would lead to moisture buildup and ensure they take out the trash, clean surfaces, and do not leave food lying around. If any damage arises out of such a situation, then the tenant is held responsible.
3. Misuse Of Property
A tenant should use the property for the purpose it has been rented for and not for any other purpose without the landlord’s permission. For example, if the premise has been rented for living and used as a storefront, then it is a misuse of the property and would be liable to legal actions for eviction and fines. Tenants are responsible for the repair of any such damage caused to property.
4. Consumables
Consumables like light bulbs, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc., are the tenant’s responsibility. The landlord shall ensure that all such consumables are in good working condition when the tenant moves in. After that, the tenants will look after things like replacing bulbs, batteries of detectors, etc. However, a tenant may ask for help, if needed, from the landlord.
5. Unreported Incident
The tenants are required to contact the landlord immediately if any repair situation arises. For example, if the tenant notices a possible moisture buildup or mould infestation, they must inform the landlord immediately.
In addition, for apartments built before 1938, the tenants must inform their landlord before repainting or drilling the walls due to lead paint. If the tenant fails to inform, they would be held liable for the damage.
An easy method to establish a line of communication for such repairs is via a landlord notice which would inform the landlord of the problem, the cause of the problem, and all other details while acting as evidence for the tenant trying to communicate to avoid future allegations.
Does Tenant Insurance Cover Tenant Repairs Responsibilities?
Yes, tenant insurance covers repairs of damages caused by tenants or their guests. Under the category of vandalism or negligence of the tenant insurance, the tenants can claim coverage for damages they may have caused.
It is one of the best benefits of tenant insurance as tenants do not need to be dependent on their landlords for all repairs and never have to pay upfront out of their pocket for any damage repairs.
FAQs
1. Who Pays For Emergency Repairs?
The repair must first qualify as an emergency, for which it must fulfill three categories. First, it must be urgent. Second, it must involve the security and safety of the tenants. Third, it must be the repair of a major leak in the pipes or roof, damaged water or sewer pipes, primary heating system, electrical systems, or the lock system that gives access to the apartment. In such scenarios, the landlord is responsible for the repairs.
2. When Is A Landlord Responsible For Repairs?
For any repairs required to maintain a safe, clean and livable environment in the living premises, the landlord is responsible. Such repairs may include repairing walls, floor, plumbing, drainage, electrical, heating/cooling system, roof, ceilings, smoke alarms, intercom, any appliances provided in the apartment, lock systems, elevators, fire alarms, fire doors, common areas, etc.
3. Can Your Security Deposit Pay For Repairs?
Yes, a landlord can use a security deposit to pay for the repairs for which the tenant is responsible. However, it is not the most recommended way to pay for tenant repairs responsibilities.
4. Who’s Responsible For Home Maintenance?
The landlord and the tenant are equally responsible for the home maintenance. The landlord is surely more liable to maintain it since he owns the property and provides livable environments. Still, it is also the tenant’s responsibility to maintain such living conditions.
Endnote
Both the tenants and the landlord have legal obligations to fulfill the repair responsibilities of the apartment or any rented space. But it is a shared responsibility, and no one party is liable for it all.
But one must note that the damage caused should be distinguished from an object’s everyday wear and tear. Also, tenants should know about their rights so that landlords cannot ask for wrongful favours, repairs, or add unfair clauses in lease agreements.