Repairs and Maintenance

Tenant Rights to Repairs and Maintenance

Renters' Rights to Minor Repairs
How to get landlords to keep their end of the maintenance bargain.
Tenant Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities
Tenant obligations to keep their rental in good shape
Tenant Rights to a Livable Place
Landlords must provide tenants with a safe and livable rental home.
Renters’ Insurance
You may see a clause in your lease or rental agreement requiring you to obtain renters’ insurance
Sample Agreement with Landlord: Painting Rental Unit
If your landlord agrees to let you paint your apartment, get all details in writing
Sample Letter with Landlord: Repairs for New Tenant
Get all landlord promises in writing—before you move in.

Getting Your Landlord to Make Repairs

How to Get Your Landlord to Make Minor Repairs
Strategies for getting leaky faucets and other annoying problems fixed
How to Get Your Landlord to Make Major Repairs
How to write a convincing request for repairs letter to your landlord
Tenant Options if Your Landlord Won't Make Major Repairs
Tenant "big stick" remedies if your landlord won't handle serious habitability problems
How Rent Withholding Works
If your landlord has not met the responsibility of keeping your unit livable, you may be able to stop paying any rent to the landlord until the repairs are made.
How to Prevent (or Manage) Mold Problems in Your Home
Take the following steps to decrease the chances that mold will begin to grow in your rental unit.
Sample Letter to Landlord: You Intend to Withhold the Rent
Provide written notice to your landlord and follow state procedures before withholding rent for repair problems
Sample Letter to Landlord: Permission to Do a Minor Repair
Get your landlord's written permission before you do any home repairs
Sample Letter to Landlord: Deteriorating Asbestos
How to alert your landlord of a potential asbestos health hazard in your apartment or rental unit
Sample Tenant Letter Requesting Reimbursement for Temporary Housing
Ask your landlord to pay for temporary housing if problems in your rental pose a health risk
Sample Letter: Request Inspection of CO Detector
Get quick action when you suspect a carbon monoxide problem in your rental
How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Problems in Rentals
Why tenants should have a carbon monoxide detector in their rental

Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent by State Learn More

Find out whether you can withhold rent or use the “repair and deduct” remedy in your state if your landlord fails to fix major problems in your rental unit.

Questions on Repairs and Maintenance