A big advantage to renting is avoiding the hassle of home maintenance and repair. However, depending on the type of property you’re renting and the type of ownership/management, there are still going to be some maintenance and repairs that are up to you. In general, you can be sure that any damage over normal wear and tear - and especially accidental damage caused by you - will be your responsibility to repair.
Here are examples of repairs that renters are responsible for:
Pet damage, including treatment for flea infestations
A pet deposit and premium added to your rent is not insurance for the damage they may cause. So if your pet chews up permanent fixtures, walls, doors, etc. that repair is up to you.
Carpet/floor stains
Property owners/managers understand
Tip: Make a habit of removing your shoes when you come home! That’ll be an incentive to keep the floors clean.
Damage to interior areas, such as walls and cabinets
This includes holes in walls and ceilings from hanging items, damaged doors, and door frames, and broken cabinet doors.
Neglect of or misused appliances
Yes, cleaning the oven and stovetop once in awhile is a good thing. And watch what you put in the washing machine or down the disposal. Avoid slamming doors or placing heavy objects on appliance doors since doing so can wear down or eventually break their hinges.
Damage to door or window locks or broken windows
We’ve all been locked out. Sometimes the lockout fee is cheaper than the repair for do-it-yourselfers. For a single-family home, it may best to keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor. If using the hide a key method, keep security in mind. If you’ve thought of a great hiding place, a potential burglar may have too.
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Water damage
If you see water, it’s best to act immediately. If a tub/sink/toilet has overflowed, stop the water and clean up quickly. In most cases, it will dry up just fine with little noticeable damage. If you find chronic water leaks, however, notify the owner/manager.
The key to minimizing your expenses on repairs is to use common sense and the golden rule: treat your rental home as if it is your own. Keeping a clean and well-maintained home is a good idea even if you don’t own it. This reduces your expenses in the long run.
Communicate with your property’s owner/manager and maintain a good relationship – they will be much easier to work with that way. And finally, make sure you’re familiar with your lease and all of its provisions with regard to maintenance and repair.
Related Resource
Trulia 8 Home Repairs That Are Not a Landlord’s Job