So, when a landlord gives a property for rent to a tenant, whether it’s regular market-rate housing or part of an affordable/subsidized housing program, they’re expected to provide a place that’s safe, clean, and in good working condition.
This means all the basic things should be up and running: electricity, plumbing, heating, a secure entrance, safe stairways, and even small things like intact paintwork or pest-free walls.
To keep things that way, landlords have to maintain the property. That includes repairs in common areas, checking fire safety systems, fixing leaks, patching things up after wear and tear, like repainting after a damp rainy season or calling in professionals to remove a wasp nest.
But, and this is important, it doesn’t mean landlords are always footing the bill for every single repair. Sometimes, tenants are the ones who have to pay, depending on the situation. Let’s break that down.
Normal (Market-Rate) Housing
In regular, privately rented housing, landlords handle the basics, but tenants have responsibilities too.
What tenants are responsible for:
- Taking reasonable care of the property.
- Notifying the landlord quickly if something breaks or needs fixing.
- Avoiding damage caused by negligence or misuse.
- Not making unauthorized repairs or changes.
When can landlords charge tenants for repairs?
- If the tenant causes damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear (e.g., breaking a door or smashing a window).
- If a tenant fails to keep things clean and it leads to a pest problem.
- If the tenant damages something and doesn’t repair it or pay for the fix.
So, if the kitchen tap leaks because it’s old? Landlord’s job. But if the tenant snapped it off while trying to force it shut with a wrench? That’s on the tenant.
Affordable or Subsidized Housing
Affordable housing comes with more rules,protections and rental laws, but tenants still have their part to play.
When tenants may be charged:
- If they (or their guests) damage the property through carelessness or misuse.
- If they make unauthorized repairs or changes to the unit.
- If the lease specifically says they’re responsible for certain types of maintenance.
When landlords can ask tenants to pay:
- Only if there’s clear proof that the tenant caused the damage.
- After following proper procedures, usually with written notices, documentation, and sometimes inspections.
- Not for general maintenance or repairs that fall under the landlord’s legal duties.
In these setups, landlords can’t just decide to take repair costs out of rent or demand money without going through the right channels. Many housing programs have strict oversight to make sure tenants aren’t unfairly charged.
So yeah, just because something looks like it might be the tenant’s fault, doesn’t mean it actually is.
Rules Landlords Must Follow Before Charging for Repairs
Even when tenants are responsible, landlords can’t just throw a bill at them out of nowhere. There are basic standards and legal steps they need to follow first:
- Proof matters: Landlords need documentation, photos, reports, or written notices showing what was damaged and how.
- Reasonable costs only: They can’t charge some inflated amount for basic repairs. The charges must reflect actual costs.
- Clear communication: Tenants should be notified in writing and given a breakdown of the repair cost.
- Lease agreement terms: The repair has to be something the tenant agreed to be responsible for in the lease.
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Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, renting is a two-way street. Landlords have a legal duty to provide and maintain a livable home, and tenants are expected to treat that home with respect and care. Most repair responsibilities fall on the landlord, but when damages are caused by misuse, carelessness, or unauthorized changes, tenants may be expected to cover the cost.
The key takeaway? Know your lease, understand your rights, and when in doubt, ask questions before paying for a repair. Not everything broken is automatically your bill.
