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Property maintenance, tenant or owner: who does what ?

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Now that you've settled into your new dream apartment, remember to keep it well maintained (so that it stays really nice). Replacing a burnt-out light bulb, changing mouldy bathroom seals or fixing a broken shutter: wondering whether you should do it yourself or call your landlord to the rescue? Nemea has an overview of which maintenance work should be carried out by the tenant (in this case you) and what the landlord is in charge of.

 

Routine property maintenance by the tenant

The tenant is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the accommodation.

So-called "routine" rental repairs include :

  • Routine cleaning of the interior of the home including ceilings, walls, floors (time to get out that fancy mop your mother bought you)
  • Basic maintenance of interior and exterior openings including greasing window hinges, door locks or changing a damaged window... (Youtube tutorial anyone?)
  • Replacing or repairing small fixtures such as switches, sockets, light bulbs and fuses, bathroom sealants, etc.
  • If you have a garden or a terrace, you need to mow the lawn, remove moss etc. (you can always call your dad  to help?)

Do you rent furnished accommodation? Check that the household appliances in the home are working properly (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, extractor hood, etc.).

 

Larger repairs by the landlord

Don't worry, you don't have to become a DIY expert or take up plumbing or masonry. Any major repair work is the responsibility of your landlord. During the entire rental period, your landlord is obliged to carry out :

  • Improvement works in the common or private parts of the building
  • Work to ensure the normal condition of the accommodation (e.g. replacing a faulty shutter or a broken tap)
  • Work on the energy performance of the home such as insulation maintenance or boiler repairs
  • Maintenance of roofs or façades