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We may earn a commission from links on this page.There are all kinds of laws that govern the rights you have when youre renting your home, but landlords are also pretty well-protected. You might think that anything that goes on in your apartment is their business (for better or worse), but there are actually quite a few things that simply are not their responsibility. While its pretty wild that they technically own your home and can make all kinds of rules about it but dont actually have to fix certain issues, its worth knowing what is and is not their job when it comes to your space.Outdoor spaces are your responsibilityIf you are renting a house or are lucky enough to have scored an apartment with a backyard, be warned: Your lease may stipulate that management of those areas is your responsibility. Read it carefully and ask your landlord if you have any questions, but know that you could be the one who has to clear snow, trim the grass, clean the gutters, remove pests, and more. Small plumbing issues are also for you to handleClogs and other little plumbing issues are rarely your landlords responsibility. Unless its something really major, youre probably on your own to get whatever is in that pipe out of it, which you should do because if your issue becomes the buildings issue, youre likely on the hook for that, too.I recommend the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel for clogs: It extends 18 inches, has a rotating handle that makes using it easy, and it's less than $20. Regularly use this to avoid major problems down the line and only call your landlord when something is really, really wrong. For instance, my super stopped by a few months ago to fix my leaky showerthere was a problem with some valve seals that I didn't cause and couldn't fix on my ownbut my stopped-up sink just a foot away? That's my problem and mine alone. Speaking of...Damage you cause is damage you fixIn most cases, if you cause damage, you have to fix it. If your wall develops a hole because of a water leak, thats the landlords responsibility. If it develops a hole because you hung something too heavy, its yours. This can get a little confusing, so this is the category it's best to discuss with your super regardless. This week, I called mine out of exasperation because I couldn't get some marks off the higher part of my wall. I assumed they were my fault. Wrong! They were caused by a faulty radiator valve (not my fault) and were actually a sign of a deeper problem inside the wall (also not my fault), which meant the management company did have to dispatch someone to not only tear up my wall, but replace my radiator valve. They did that, but other marks caused by scratches or wall hangings were left untouched; those are my responsibility, since I put them there. This is not to say you're on your own completely. Depending on the relationship you have with your super, you can ask to borrow their tools and resources and they might even help you out. It is, after all, in their financial interest to keep it in good condition. I rent a small apartment and certainly don't have room for things like big tools or ladders, but my super lets me use his when I have to correct something that falls under the umbrella of my responsibility. More often than not, they actually come do it for me, preferring not to let me climb around on a ladder they own. Smart!Cosmetic repairs are your responsibility In that same vein, your landlord is likely not legally required to make repairs in your place that are purely cosmetic. If a crack in your bathroom tile is merely unsightly, thats probably your problem. If a crack in the tub is causing a leak or making it unusable, its more likely theirs. What they are legally required to do is keep the building livable, which means you have to be warm and have access to the essentials. That's it. I know from experience that they have little to no interest in how attractive your unit actually is, as long as it's not driving the value down or visible from the outside. That said, once again, ask nicely and see if they're willing to help you out or lend you tools. Just because they aren't legally required to do something doesn't always mean they won't, especially if you can make the case that it will keep the value high.What to do if youre unsureYou can assume your landlord doesnt have to provide you with window screens, air conditioners, lightbulbs, and other things of that nature, but you should always reach out to them if you think theres a chance. My apartment has a vaulted ceiling, for instance, and like I said, I dont have a gigantic ladder lying around. My landlord comes in and changes my lightbulb when I need it, which is considerate; I just have to provide the bulb. Read your lease carefully to see what repairs are specifically highlighted as their responsibility and yours and, if you do make requests or ask for clarification, be sure to always do it in writing so you have a record of what is said.This week, after my wall catastrophe, my building manager gently reminded me that I should always err on the side of asking for help instead of assuming I have to take care of something myself. That's great advice straight from the horse's mouth. They might be willing to help you out, but you won't know unless you ask. Just keep in mind they don't have to do much beyond fix anything that makes the place unsafe or unlivable. In addition to reading over your lease, being open with your landlord, and just asking for help on the chance they'll provide it, familiarize yourself with the renter protections and laws in your specific state. The repairs above are generally accepted as the ones you're in charge of, but that might not be true where you live. Here is a handy state-by-state list that can help you get started. The more you know about your lease and the laws that apply to your personal situation, the better equipped you are to deal with leaks, holes, and other issues.
