Renting: What Repairs Are the Tenant’s Responsibility?

Renting: What Repairs Are the Tenant’s Responsibility?

When renting a property, whether it’s an apartment or a house, one common question arises: what repairs are the tenant’s responsibility? As a tenant, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities in terms of maintenance and repairs to avoid misunderstandings with the landlord and ensure a smooth occupancy of the property.

Routine Maintenance

Generally, the tenant is responsible for small, routine maintenance tasks that help keep the property in good condition. These include:

  • Cleaning the floors, walls, and equipment provided by the landlord
  • Replacing light bulbs, fuses, and other small consumable parts
  • Routine maintenance of heating and plumbing systems, such as bleeding radiators or replacing faucet washers
  • Minor repairs to appliances provided by the landlord (e.g., household appliances)

These minor tasks are typically related to the normal use of the property and are part of the tenant’s daily upkeep responsibilities.

Tenant Repairs

In addition to routine maintenance, tenants are responsible for certain repairs known as “tenant repairs.” The exact list of these repairs can vary based on the rental agreement, but the following tasks are usually the tenant’s responsibility:

  • Minor electrical repairs, such as replacing damaged switches or outlets
  • Replacing seals and making small plumbing repairs
  • Minor repairs related to normal wear and tear (e.g., filling holes in the walls after removing picture frames)

However, if a repair is due to normal wear and tear or a defect in the equipment not caused by the tenant, it remains the landlord’s responsibility.

Major Repairs

Major repairs, or those affecting the structure or safety of the building, are the landlord’s responsibility. Examples include:

  • Structural repairs such as the roof, load-bearing walls, windows, and shutters
  • Replacing outdated or defective equipment, such as heating systems, plumbing, or electrical installations, unless the damage is caused by tenant misuse
  • Repairs related to incidents not attributable to the tenant, such as water damage or fires not caused by the tenant

These repairs must be carried out promptly to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the property.

What to Do in Case of Dispute?

In case of a disagreement between the tenant and the landlord regarding repair responsibilities, it’s recommended to refer to the lease agreement. This document should clearly outline the responsibilities of each party. If in doubt, it’s possible to consult an expert or refer to Luxembourgish legislation. A housing mediation service or a lawyer specializing in leases can also provide valuable support.

Are you a tenant or landlord and need more information about rental properties? Contact us!

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