Repairs and Maintenance in a Rental - Who Is Responsible
As a rule, the landlord must repair defects not caused by the tenant - systems, plumbing, electricity, and infrastructure - within a reasonable time and no later than 30 days from notice, and for an urgent defect that does not allow reasonable habitation, within a reasonable time and no later than 3 days. The tenant is responsible for damage they caused and small routine upkeep. If the landlord misses the deadline, the tenant has rights under the Fair Rental Law.
What the landlord is responsible for
Fixing defects not caused by the tenant: plumbing, electrical system, water heater, water and sewage infrastructure, structural moisture, and systems that came with the apartment.
The legal frame: the landlord must repair within a reasonable time and no later than 30 days from notice; an urgent defect that does not allow reasonable habitation - within a reasonable time and no later than 3 days.
What the tenant is responsible for
Damage the tenant caused themselves or through negligence - at their expense.
Small routine upkeep: replacing bulbs and fuses, clogs caused by use, and the like - customarily on the tenant.
Reasonable wear and tear is not damage - the tenant need not "renew" the apartment, only return it in good condition per the contract.
What to do when the landlord does not repair
Step 1: written notice describing the defect and the date. Keep records (photos, messages).
Step 2: if the landlord misses the statutory deadline, the tenant may (subject to the law's conditions) repair and claim reimbursement, or receive a proportional rent reduction.
Do not stop paying rent on your own without advice - it may count as a breach. Follow the law's route and document everything.
How to settle it upfront in the contract
Define a report-and-repair mechanism: where to report, a response window, and who absorbs small repair costs below a set amount. In our tool the repair settings live in the settings step, with a balanced or stricter wording option.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for repairs in a rental?
The landlord must fix defects not caused by the tenant (plumbing, electricity, water heater, infrastructure). The tenant is responsible for damage they caused and small routine upkeep like bulbs and fuses.
How fast must the landlord repair?
Under the Fair Rental Law - within a reasonable time and no later than 30 days from notice, and for an urgent defect that does not allow reasonable habitation, within a reasonable time and no later than 3 days.
Can you stop paying rent until the landlord repairs?
Not on your own - it may count as a breach. The law allows, in certain cases, self-repair with offset or a rent reduction, but follow the law's route and document everything.