Landlord vs. Tenant?

Question

I started renting a house 1 month ago and we have noticed some things in the house that need to be fixed. So, what would you concider a landlords problem or a tennents responsibility?

Leakey faucet?
Broken faucet handle?
Steam cleaning the carpets?
Broken garage door?

Oh by the way...we noticed all of these things before we moved in and the landlord said he would pay to fix them. I was just wondering what would be reasonable. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are paying the water bill then the landlord should fix the plumbing immediately.

The carpet should have ben cleaned before you moved in. Now that you have furniture on top of it, it's no longer a priority.

The garage door, it depends on if you use it daily.

Prioritize and call the landlord and say you realize that you both have busy schedules so you'd like to coordinate as soon as possible so that you can get these things out of the way and live in peace. You can also offer to take care of them and deduct the costs from the next rent check. That may light a fire under them because they have no control over which service you'll call and how much they will charge, etc.

You should get a copy of the renter's rights in your state. Document everything including dates, times and what was said in case this person does not come through for you.

good luck!

Answer 2

Yeah, they all say the will take care of them, but unless you get it in writing, you might be out of luck. The bottom line is that a landlord has a set of priorities just like anyone else and priority one is cost. I would expect the landlord to be prompt in fixing a plumbing issue, especially after he gets an elevated water bill! And if he is hiring someone to do the work they will likely fix the broken handle at the same time. When it comes to cleaning the carpets and fixing the garage door, don't hold your breath. Those repairs may climb on his priority list if the property was empty to help attract a new renter, but that isn't the case now.

It can be argued that everything mentioned is the landlords responsibility if he already agreed to do it, but the bottom line is that you signed a contract with full knowledge that the property wasn't perfect.

Answer 3

You should have gotten them down in writing with an agreement to repair by the landlord.

Take pictures and document and conversations with the landlord. They are all the landlords issues except for the steam cleaning. Once you move in, you are responsible for keeping the place clean. Now if you can prove that they were going to steam clean them and haven't, this falls into the landlords responsibility as well.

Answer 4

The landlord is responsible to fix them. Start keeping a trail of when you call and what's said and, if necessary, you can withhold rent until the problem is fixed. If you do choose this option, make SURE that the rent amount is in an escrow account so that you're showing the intention to pay.

Answer 5

yeah, he should take care of all of this.
Document everything. Send written requests, certified letters if necessary. Each state has laws on how long he can hold off before fixing these things. You might want to check them out to be on the safe side.

Answer 6

AS A LANDLORD I WOULD CONSIDER THESE THINGS TO BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. YOU ARE NOT OUT OF LINE TO REQUEST THESE TO BE FIXED IN IN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME.
JUST AS THE LANDLORD EXPECTS YOU TO PAY THE RENT ON TIME, YOU CAN EXPECT HIM TO CORRECT PREEXISTING CONDITIONS THAT HE SAID HE WOULD.

Answer 7

If you noticed them all prior to moving in and he said that he would handle them, then he should handle all of them. Did you write them downin your pre-move in inspection? If not, then you have no case. I would just call and ask if he knew when he had it scheduled?

Answer 8

could always pay to have them done yourself and submit the bill to him or take it out of your rent with a copy of bill

Answer 9

well i would say they all are his to be fixed. most want to fix them asap on the water leak.