One of the best reasons to rent a Fort Collins condo is the peace of mind that you are not financially responsible for major repairs (as long as the reason a repair is needed isn’t your fault). However, there are many rental repairs that are not your landlord’s responsibility. In order to make sure that your rental home is kept in the best condition and repairs are handled quickly, it is important for you to know when to call your landlord and when to take care of something yourself.
A landlord is legally responsible for keeping a rental home habitable and tending to any major issue that is not caused by the tenant. They are required to repair problems that could cause the home to become unlivable such as fix a broken water heater, leaky pipes, a furnace that isn’t working properly, major appliances that aren’t working, or plumbing issues. You can learn more about what a landlord is responsible for from this blog.
Your landlord will also carry the responsibility of annual maintenance on any major appliance such as the furnace or air conditioner. They will take care of other forms of maintenance such as blowing out the sprinkler system before the temperatures drop. While maintaining the proper condition of the major components of the home requires a conscious effort by the tenant, any maintenance or repair is the responsibility of the landlord.
As the tenant, you are responsible for taking care of the rental for as long as you are living there to keep it habitable at a superficial level so-to-speak, while the landlord is responsible for keeping the property habitable at a deeper level. Your routine responsibilities as a tenant include routine care and upkeep of the property such as cleaning, taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and maintaining an overall good condition. You can read more about tenant maintenance obligations by clicking here.
When it comes to repairs, the landlord will typically be responsible for any major repair, unless you or someone living in the home is the cause of the problem. If you, your children, a pet, or even a guest of yours has broken something in the house or has caused significant property damage, you will be held responsible for repairing or replacing what has been damaged. For example, if you throw a baseball and accidentally break a window, you are responsible for replacing the window.
You are responsible for minor repairs. For many small repairs, it’s simply quicker and easier to get them done on your own rather than to take the time to contact the landlord and schedule a time for them to come over.
The specific repairs and maintenance responsibilities will vary by property and landlord and should all be clearly outlined in your lease, but you should discuss it with your landlord prior to moving in. Having a clear understanding of what you are responsible for will help to avoid problems.
The best way to understand your repair responsibilities and how to make major repair requests is to talk to your landlord when you move in. Clear communication upfront helps ensure that your residence will stay in great condition for the length of your lease.
Our team is here to help you find your next home. Feel free to call and schedule a showing or start your search right here.
