Episode Details
Back to EpisodesMaintenance: Who's Responsible for What?
Description
You probably know that if your roof leaks, that's on you. But do you actually know who pays when a tenant ignores a slow drip for six months until the subfloor rots? Landlord tenant maintenance responsibilities sound simple on paper, but the real world is full of gray areas that catch self-managing landlords off guard — usually right when it's most expensive to learn the lesson.
In this episode, Kevin and I walk through exactly who is responsible for what at a rental property, starting with the legal foundation every landlord needs to know: the implied warranty of habitability. We break down the big categories that always fall on the landlord, what tenants are responsible for day to day, and the property-type differences that change everything from yard maintenance to shared common areas.
We also dig into the trickiest part of the conversation — wear and tear versus actual damage — and the question every landlord eventually faces: should you ever let a tenant make a repair themselves? We share two real situations from our own properties, including a late-night text about a leaking toilet and a move-out discovery that cost us thousands. If you've ever wondered where the line really is, this episode draws it clearly.
Nothing on this podcast is legal advice. Please consult a real estate attorney in your state before finalizing any lease language.
Links & References Mentioned in This Episode
EP55 Preventative Maintenance That Brings Peace of Mind
EP59 Determining Wear & Tear vs Damage to Your Rental Property
EZ Landlord Forms State Specific Leases & Addendums for Landlords
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