Can a Landlord Make a Tenant Pay for Repairs? [Answered]

Can a Landlord Make a Tenant Pay for Repairs?

Knowing the contents of your lease will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Oftentimes, you can look there for the answers you're seeking. When it comes to the question of "", the answer may be found within your lease agreement.

A landlord can only make you pay for those repairs listed in the rental agreement. If they are attempting to make you pay for more, it's time to connect with DoNotPay and allow us to help you get your landlord problem solved.

What Repairs Should Landlords Typically Handle?

Landlords handle repairs not listed in the lease agreement. They may also have a clause that indicates they will address the repairs themselves or with a designated contractor, but at the expense of the tenant. Traditionally, some of the repairs landlords must manage at their own expense include:

Broken locks not caused by the tenant
Pest problems
Plumbing problems
Issues with electrical components
Furnace failure
Instances of mold

What Repairs Am I Responsible for Handling?

As the , you are responsible for handling some repairs as well. You are the one living in the space and using the amenities, after all. You may be required to pay for repairs:

That were caused by you, your children, or your guests
That were caused by your pet
That you let go unreported for an extended period without requesting your landlord's assistance
That were caused due to smoking within the unit, especially if it was a non-smoking unit in the first place
If they are a quick fix, such as changing out light bulbs or installing new batteries in the smoke detector
If they are listed as such in your lease agreement

Asking Your Landlord to Make Repairs

You should draft a letter to your landlord requesting repairs to be made. Create one copy for them and one to keep for your records. Let them know that the issue needs to be addressed within 24 hours, 48 hours, a week, etc, based on the seriousness of the problem.

If they do not respond to the notice, send a second letter indicating you will not pay rent or you will handle the repair yourself at their cost. Again, it is imperative that you keep a copy of this for your own records, should you need it as proof for the court.

About Withholding Rent for Repairs

Can I Withhold Rent if My Landlord is Not Making Repairs?

If a landlord is not making the necessary repairs that can lead to the harm or poor health of anyone in your household, such as pest problems, no heat, or mold, you are able to withhold rent.

You must let them know in writing that you are withholding rent until the necessary repairs are made. Send a copy to them and keep one for yourself.

You may also go ahead and make the repairs yourself or hire your own contractor. You can then send the bill to the landlord, or instruct them that you will be deducting the amount you paid from your rental amount. If they wish to complain about this or attempt to kick you out, they will be going against your renter's rights and you can sue them in court.

What Other Steps Can I Take?

If the landlord still does nothing about the necessary repairs, you may need to report them. Failing to handle pests or mold within a reasonable timeframe is a health hazard that should be addressed with your local health department and the housing and code enforcement department.

Make Your Landlord Handle Repairs With DoNotPay's Assistance

If the landlord is not handling the repairs he's responsible for, you can get DoNotPay's assistance. We'll draft up a demand letter requesting they make repairs or else face further repercussions.

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

If your landlord is still not complying, or attempting to withhold your deposit for repairs once you move, you can use the Sue Now product to start the process of suing them.

Additional Landlord Problems DoNotPay Helps You Face

The question of "" is a tricky one. There are some situations where you are responsible for certain fixes. DoNotPay helps you address many additional questions like this one so that you can rest assured you have the right answers and possible solutions. Try these other topics, while you’re here: