Even with the most careful tenant residing in your rental property, at some point items, fixtures, and appliances will have to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, it can be an easy fix. But in other cases, the cost can add up.
So, who’s responsibility is it to pay for these things?
The answer is it depends.
In Florida, a landlord must follow the building, housing, and health laws, which are oftentimes linked with local (city or county) codes and ordinances. These could differ, based on whether the residential property is a single family home or an apartment.
While landlords are responsible for maintaining (and repairing) a property so it is in livable condition, it is important to note that the level of repairs that are expected should be in proportion to the age of the property, as well as the amount of rent that is being charged.
With that in mind, a tenant is typically responsible for taking care of minor maintenance issues, such as:
- Replacing light bulbs
- Dusting and vacuuming the interior of the property
Depending on the actual lease agreement, a tenant may also be responsible for routine yard maintenance, such as mowing and watering the grass.
Before having any major repairs done (such as fixing a leaky roof), though, tenants must have written permission from the landlord/property owner – which should also include how, when, or if the tenant will be reimbursed.
In some instances, like a blocked toilet or flooding – repairs may be urgent. So, if this is the case, the tenant should move forward quickly with arranging for the repairs – even if the landlord cannot immediately be reached. If damages are caused by the tenant’s negligence, then it is up to them to both arrange for the repair or replacement, as well as to pay for it.
Because owning and managing rental property can be a full-time endeavor, hiring a local experienced property manager can allow you to focus on other things. If you own residential rentals in Central Florida, contact us for more details on how we can take over these tasks for you.
Sources:
Florida Law Help. https://www.floridalawhelp.org/content/do-you-have-to-pay-rent-if-your-rental-home-needs-repairs