Repairs and Maintenance of Rental Property

The landlord is responsible for providing habitable housing that complies with all building, housing and health codes. The landlord must give tenants at least 24 hours reasonable notice before entering the apartment.

Landlord/Tenant Law Guide

• Tenant Screening Laws
• Leases and Rental Agreements
• Rent Payment Issues
• Security Deposits
• Tenant Discrimination
• Roommates and Sublets
• Injuries on Rental Property
• Environmental Hazards
• Criminal Activity on Rental Property
• Right to Entry vs. Right to Privacy
• Ending Tenancy
• Getting the Security Deposit Back
• Eviction and Lease Termination
• Landlord and Tenant Dispute Resolution

A landlord cannot walk into the tenant's apartment for just any reason unless it's an emergency. Addtionally, the landlord is responsible for cleaning and maintaining common areas (hallways, stairs, yards, entry ways) and providing lighting in hallways, entryways and outside.

Building Codes and Housing Laws

The landlord must make the house or apartment comply with all building, housing, and health codes which significantly affect health and safety.

Major Repairs

The landlord is responsible for making major repairs to the unit such as fixing roofs, plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning units.

Minor Repairs

The landlord is generally responsible for minor repairs but there is no legal remedy for the tenant to force the landlord to make the minor repairs. Minor repairs consist of the following:

• Small plumbing items
• System upkeeps like changing heating and air conditioning filters.
• Fixing worn carpets.
• Repairing broken light fixtures.
• Routine repairs and maintenance

What to do if the Landlord Will Not Make Repairs

If the landlord will not make major or minor repairs you can report them to the local rent board if the unit is under rent control. However, if your unit is not under rental control laws, then you can withhold rent or move out if the landlord will not make major repairs and especially if the landlord is in violation of local building, health or safety codes. You can have the repair fixed yourself, and ask the landlord to reimburse you or try and deduct it from your rent.