Apartment Maintenance: What It Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

A dripping faucet at midnight. An AC that gives out in July. A dishwasher that’s been making a very concerning sound for two weeks. If you’re renting, knowing who’s responsible for what and how to get it fixed can save you a lot of stress, money, and back-and-forth with your landlord. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Seattle, WA or apartment hunting in Chicago, IL, the basics of apartment maintenance work similarly. Landlords are responsible for keeping the unit safe and habitable, and tenants are responsible for keeping it clean and undamaged. The tricky part is everything in between. What is apartment maintenance? Apartment maintenance covers the repairs and upkeep that keep a rental unit and the building around it safe, functional, and livable. Most apartment buildings have a dedicated maintenance team or on-call contractors who handle repairs when tenants submit a request. The division of responsibility is typically spelled out in your lease agreement and shaped by landlord-tenant laws in your state – so when in doubt, your lease is the first place to look. What does apartment maintenance cover? The general rule is that landlords own the building’s core systems and anythi...