Landlord Vs. Tenant: Who Is Responsible For Property Maintenance?

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When you rent an apartment for living, maintaining it in good condition is also a concern. Maintaining a rental apartment includes some repairs. Maintaining a rental property is essential. Knowing who is responsible for property maintenance for the landlord and tenant is a very interesting concern. The homeowners want the renters residing in the apartment to be responsible for paying the repair charges or any maintenance charges that may arise.

On the other hand, the tenant also wants the homeowner to bear the expenditures and costs that may arise from sudden maintenance. Both parties have differing views on a few basic rules. However, the rental agreement is the only solution that clarifies these terms and conditions.

We will discuss this matter by examining what repairs the renters are responsible for and what repairs the homeowners are responsible for. Both are connected to the rental property and have certain responsibilities. Let's discuss it in further detail.

About Rental Property Maintenance

About Rental Property Maintenance

Maintenance of rental apartments or properties is important because it preserves the property's value and provides residents with a safe and secure living environment. Maintenance work includes some kind of routine activity that includes inspection and repairs to sudden failures. Maintenance servers include checking and repairing an apartment's plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

If anything stops working or any component is damaged, it needs immediate repairs and replacement. Maintaining a property is the responsibility of its residents, whether homeowners or renters. However, repair cost management is part of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the rental apartment to ensure the systems installed in the apartment are functional and on board properly. You can schedule maintenance to inspect the problems and identify issues that need repairs.

Maintenance can extend the lifespan of property features on long-term value. The tenants are also responsible for keeping the apartment organized and clean. If they damage any part of the property, they should maintain it. Predictive maintenance can prevent minor problems from arising. 

The tenants should follow the rental agreement terms and conditions related to maintenance responsibilities. It may include changing light bulbs or air filters and repairing air conditions, which are some repairs to the damage. However, if they find a big issue in the property, they should report it to the homeowner immediately. They should develop a collaborative approach with the homeowner to contribute to maintaining the overall condition of the rental apartment.

What Decides The Maintenance Cost?

The cost of maintenance work belongs to the homeowners and the renters. Both should be conscious of maintaining the property. However, maintenance costs are related to the rental agreement. At the time of the rental agreement, renters and landlords develop a mutual understanding through discussion and collaboration.

The rental agreement clearly describes all the matters related to maintenance costs. The real estate agent explains the tenancy agreement's clauses, terms, and conditions to the tenants. 

Both parties sign the rental agreement on mutual understanding. The property owners and the tenants are responsible for following the terms and conditions. However, suppose a tenant is unaware of the situation and needs more knowledge regarding maintenance costs or maintenance work, or by chance, he does not consider this aspect. He must discuss this matter with the real estate agent in that case. This matter should be clear and fixed according to the conditions in the tenancy agreement. 

We also recommend that foreigners who are renting apartments for the first time in Qatar learn about repair cost matters at the time of agreement. Every renter and property owner should know their rights and responsibilities.

The country has made the best rules and regulations for protecting renters and property owners. At the time of the deal, the real estate agent provides essential guidance to the renters and takes responsibility for maintaining the rental agreement. 

What Are The Parts Of A Rental Agreement?

  • Details of the landlord and the tenant
  • Address of the rental property
  • Rent amount and payment due date
  • Security deposit amount
  • Duration of the agreement
  • Property maintenance responsibilities of the landlord
  • Property maintenance responsibilities of the tenant
  • Termination and renewal terms
  • Penalties for early termination or breach of contract

When Is The Landlord Responsible For Repair Costs?

A landlord's basic responsibility is to keep his property or his apartment safe and secure. The rental agreement also reflects this aspect in its clauses. The repair cost of structural damages is generally related to the landlord's responsibility. If there is an issue in the plumbing system, flooring system, air conditioning system, or big appliances, these repairs must be fixed before renting out an apartment.

It includes;

  • Pets infestation
  • Plumbing issues
  • Electrical issues
  • HVAC repairs
  • Visible mould

If the renter is not directly responsible for the damage to these things, the landlord should fix these problems. If they find faults in plumbing issues or other systems, they should fix them as early as possible. Rental apartment maintenance work is the landlord's foremost responsibility, and developing positive relations with the tenants is important.

When Is The Tenant Responsible For Repair Costs?

When a tenant rents an apartment, he is responsible for keeping the property in the same condition as when he receives it. Suppose he breaks some items or damages property parts, installed items, or furnishings. In that case, it is his foremost responsibility to fix those damages. 

It includes,

  • Burnt out lights
  • Damages caused by pets
  • The tenant or their guest causes damage.
  • Stains or cracks
  • An issue that arose due to the carelessness of the tenant

 The tenant is responsible for all the damages he causes due to negligence or carelessness. He should repair the damaged things with his action and repair the items or replace the broken ones. However, all the terms and conditions are mentioned in the tenancy agreement. He should follow the clauses. If he faces any conflict, he can contact the real estate agent and resolve the problem by collaboratively approaching the landlord.

Key Rights Of Tenants In Qatar

  • Tenants are entitled to have a written lease agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental.
  • Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a good and habitable condition.
  • Landlords must provide notice before entering the rented property and can only do so for valid reasons.
  • Rent increases must comply with local regulations and the lease agreement terms.
  • The security deposit should be returned at the end of the lease term, provided there are no damages or unpaid rent.
  • Renters can terminate the lease agreement under specific conditions, such as providing appropriate notice as stipulated in the contract.

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FAQs

What do you do if the landlord refuses repairs?

If the landlord refuses to pay the maintenance costs, the tenant should contact the real estate agent to resolve this issue. You can also take legal action against the landlord or pay for the damages yourself and deduct the amount from the rent.

What is the main responsibility of a tenant?

He should maintain the rental property properly and pay the rent promptly to avoid conflicts.

Who pays for maintenance on a rental apartment in Qatar?

If the tenant is not directly involved in the damage, the property owner or landlord is responsible for paying the maintenance costs. The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property.

Read More: Finding Your Dream Home: Tips for Renting Apartments in Qatar