Property Maintenance Costs—Should Landlords Pay?

Landlords’ guide to finding out who’s responsible for maintenance costs.

Rental properties can be a lucrative form of investment, but managing one isn’t that easy. It takes knowledge, skill, and patience, and every move you make has to be calculated and cautious. So, if you’re gearing up to rent out your property but unsure about tenant and landlord responsibilities, don’t worry—we have you covered.

Having successfully managed properties over the last several years, we know everything you must know about managing property to get the most out of your investment.  That’s why today, I will talk about crucial landlord tips regarding maintenance and repairs, specifically who pays for what.

• Tenant caused, tenant pays. At Tide Property Management, we follow a simple rule: Tenant caused, tenant pays. Simply put, repairs for damages caused by tenants should be shouldered by the tenant as well, particularly in cases where tenant negligence is proven.

• Clogged toilets. If a toilet is clogged due to issues like deferred maintenance or problems with the pipes that are beyond the tenant's control, the cost falls on the owner. On the other hand, If the clog is due to tenant negligence, such as flushing inappropriate items or excessive toilet paper, the tenant should shoulder the cost of repairs.

“Tenant-landlord disputes can be messy, but these can be avoided with strategic property management.”

• Leaks and water damage. Leaks are a bit more complicated. If a leak is not reported by the tenant and it continues for weeks or months, leading to significant damage, the tenant could be held responsible for not reporting it promptly. However, if the leak is due to issues unrelated to the tenant's actions, it remains the owner's responsibility.

• Preventive measures. Conducting quarterly or bi-annual inspections can also help identify and address maintenance issues early, preventing them from becoming costly problems. Most importantly, ensure that you have a proper lease in place before letting the tenant move in. It should clearly outline tenant and landlord responsibilities, which you can refer to when disputes or confusion arise. If you have questions about what your lease should include or how to handle maintenance responsibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

If you have any questions or if you need help managing your property, feel free to call us at (318) 794-6769. We’d be more than happy to help you protect your investment. We look forward to hearing from you!