Who Pays for What?

Every lease that is signed between a landlord and a tenant must specify who pays what and contributes what to the accommodation. Even with this specified, there can be sources of dispute between the landlord and the tenant- here we'll explore who's obligated to do what.

What Must the Owner Pay for?

We must first mention that the owner must of course provide a decent accommodation for the tenant. If the landlord doesn't provide a satisfactory level of accommodation, they are breaking the law. If anything in the accommodation changes so that it's no longer habitable, it is then the responsibility of the landlord to cover the costs that must be paid. One must discuss in this way exactly how things will be paid for. Some landlords will ask you to pay and attach the receipt when you pay your rent. They will then deduct the amount of the receipt from the amount owed. Alternatively, some may just send contractors to fix the problem and have a prearranged agreement.

The owner also has the legal obligation to keep the apartment in good working order. All equipment in the accommodation must be in working order and must operate appropriately. This includes the heating as well. If there are any problems with any heating/cooling/water fixtures, the cost falls directly on the landlord.

What Must the Tenant Pay for?

As a tenant, you are in charge of the upkeep of the housing and must make all minor repairs in the apartment. This concerns for example, the replacement of bulbs, or the replacement of a broken mirror, even if it was by accident. You must maintain the walkways of your home, while maintaining devices and walls in good condition. When in doubt, it is important to inform the owner directly to notify them of what is wrong with the housing, and discuss what the responsibilities of the tenant are. For example, you will keep your faucets in good condition by removing lime deposits, replacing or resealing seals, as well as repairing any holes in the walls.

It is important to note that if the equipment is outdated, then the landlord may be required to arrange replacements. Alternatively, if a crack appears in your wall or a storm has caused leaking water, then it is the responsibility of the owner.

For some more information on the tenants’ rights and obligations, have a look at our article Do I Need to Repaint my Walls When Leaving my Rental? You might find our Advice on How to Get on Well with Your Landlord useful too.

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