Maintenance and repairs
Your lease should list those items for which you will take the responsibility of repairing, as well as those items for which your landlord will take responsibility. Be sure to read your lease and understand your responsibilities. Your landlord should provide you with a number to call for maintenance concerns when you move in. You should also be provided with an after-hours emergency maintenance contact.
It is crucial that you inspect the premises when you first move in. Document any damage and the condition of the appliances and area. Make a copy for your records, and give a copy to your landlord. Your landlord will be able to use this when you move out to see what damage you may or may not have caused. Get everything in writing because it is the best way to protect yourself. You may want to take pictures of any significant existing damage, such as large stains or damage to walls. Provide copies of the pictures to your landlord, and keep copies for yourself.
If problems arise, statutes set out the duties of the landlord and tenant in maintaining the premises. These statutes apply only if there is not a written agreement to the contrary. In these statutes, the landlord has the duty to make all large repairs, all repairs to the equipment necessary to the services that have been agreed to, and the repairs and maintenance of all common areas.
Keep in mind that maintenance and repair information may vary from lease to lease. You should read your lease before signing and talk to current tenants to get a sense of how the landlord handles maintenance and repairs. If there is a problem, please use the Landlord Tenant Grievance Resolution Process outlined in this guide. This process was designed by landlords, tenants and university officials.
