The Renters Guide To Apartment Maintenance

The students were excited about moving into their first apartment. They packed their few belongings, enlisted some friends to help them move, and settled into their new rooms. After a few weeks, the carpet became dirty and they began to notice problems with the apartments refrigerator making odd noises. Not sure if they were responsible for the repairs they called their landlord to inquire about it. The students did not become familiar with the lease terms. Apartment maintenance can be confusing to the new renter.

Renters often take for granted that all maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord and owner and the maintenance staff. This is not the case. In many instances the leasing company and maintenance crew are responsible for taking care of the common areas and making major repairs on the apartment. The renters do have some responsibilities. These responsibilities are spelled out in the lease agreement. They should learn what repairs they are liable for.

Renter Responsibilities

The renters are responsible for the apartment maintenance and the interior and deck areas. The maintenance is generally to keep the areas clean, but not necessarily the painting or repairs to the appliances or exterior or interior of the apartment.

Renters are responsible for taking care of the small repairs in their apartment. This can include changing light bulbs, keeping carpets clean and plunging a clogged toilet. If a light bulb needs changing in a high location and the renter is uncomfortable doing it, they should contact the apartment maintenance staff. 

Renters should ask for assistance from maintenance staff when there are repairs that fall under the control of the owner or manager. Such repairs might include items such as fixing appliances and making modifications to the residence such as installing lighting fixtures. Even if the renter is able to perform some or all of these actions, the lease agreement will state when these items are the responsibility of the manager. A renter who tries to fix these items can be held liable for damages that might occur during these attempts.

The student renters began the task of cleaning their carpet and changing light bulbs that had burned out. They contacted their manager about the refrigerator that was the responsibility of the apartment maintenance staff. 

The renters are responsible for showing common courtesy to other renters by not damaging or marring common areas. Vandalism, littering and failing to pick up after their dogs can all be grounds for fines and other penalties according to the lease terms.

Leasing Agent Responsibilities

The leasing agent and apartment maintenance staff is responsible for major items. This can include repairs to the outside of the building, fixing appliances that are not working and taking care of plumbing problems such as leaky pipes. The maintenance crew is responsible for stepping in if the renter is having problems with municipal utilities. The maintenance crew and utility company deal with problems such as no hot water or heating problems together.

The maintenance staff is responsible for taking care of the common areas. They keep the grassy areas mowed and do landscaping to keep the area attractive.

When the Leasing Agent is Not Taking Responsibility

When a leasing agent fails to perform maintenance tasks and address the concerns of the renters, the living environment can become harmful. Hot water is necessary for keeping dishes clean to prevent diseases. If the agent is not doing their duty, hot water might not be available. In cold weather, the inability to heat the rooms due to utilities not working properly or poorly sealed windows is hazardous to the renter.

The renters should direct complaints about any apartment maintenance issues that are not being addressed to the owners or their department of housing authority.

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.