Renter's Rights for Repairs

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 by Roberto Valenzuela

If something breaks in your rental, like the heater on a cold night or a leaky kitchen sink, understanding your state’s renters’ rights for repairs will help clarify what landlords are required to fix, how quickly they must respond, and what steps you can take if they fail to do so. 

Understanding these rights helps you get repairs taken care of more quickly, avoid disputes, and maintain a safe and comfortable home.

What Are Renter’s Rights for Repairs?

Renter’s rights regarding repairs stem from state and local laws that require landlords to maintain their properties in a safe and livable condition. Many states follow the “implied warranty of habitability” in lease agreements. The warranty means rental units must meet basic health and safety standards.

In practical terms, landlords must ensure that essential elements, such as plumbing, electricity, heat, and structural components, function properly. They also have to maintain common areas and address issues such as pest infestations or broken locks that could compromise your security.

Knowing these rights gives tenants the confidence to request repairs in writing and to take the necessary steps if repairs are still pending.

Common Repairs Landlords Must Make

Landlords are responsible for more than just collecting rent; they must also keep the property in good working order. While the exact list of required repairs depends on your state or local code, most landlords must take care of:

• Plumbing problems: Fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and ensuring toilets, sinks, and water heaters function properly.
• Electrical issues: Repairing faulty wiring, outlets, and light fixtures that create safety hazards.
• Heating and cooling systems: Providing a working heater in winter and, in some states, air conditioning during extreme heat.
• Structural and safety concerns: Addressing roof leaks, broken windows, unstable stairs, or other issues that make the home unsafe.
• Pest infestations: Treating problems with rodents, roaches, or other pests that could impact health.
• Security features: Ensuring doors and windows have working locks to keep the home secure.
• Safety devices: Installing and maintaining smoke detectors, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, in many states.

Prompt repairs protect the tenant’s health and safety, ensure the property remains in compliance with housing laws, and prevent minor issues from escalating into costly damage.

What Repairs Are Tenants Responsible for?

Tenants also play a crucial role in maintaining a rental property’s safety and livability. Most state laws require renters to:

Keep the unit clean: Regularly dispose of trash, wipe up spills, and avoid creating unsanitary conditions that could attract pests or lead to mold problems.

Use systems properly: Operate appliances, plumbing, and electrical fixtures as intended. For instance, don’t flush non-flushable items or overload circuits.

Prevent damage: Take reasonable care of walls, floors, and fixtures. If your lease requires it, replace light bulbs or change HVAC filters to keep systems running smoothly.

Report problems promptly: Notify the landlord immediately about issues such as a dripping faucet, loose handrail, or minor roof leak before they escalate into more significant, expensive repairs.

Allow access for repairs: Cooperate with reasonable requests from the landlord or property manager to enter the unit for inspections or repairs.

How Long Does a Landlord Have to Make Repairs?

Landlords must complete repairs within a specified timeframe once they’ve received proper notice from the tenant. Depending on the state and the urgency of the issue, the deadline can range from as little as 24 hours to as long as 30 days.

Some states don’t specify an exact timeline and instead require the landlord to make repairs within a “reasonable” period. What qualifies as reasonable can vary by situation, but it’s rarely longer than 30 days.

What Can a Tenant Do if a Landlord Doesn’t Make Timely Repairs? 

When landlords ignore repair requests, tenants are not required to live with unsafe or unhealthy conditions. The options available depend on state law, but common remedies include:

Send a follow-up notice to repair: If the landlord doesn’t respond to the first request, send a second written notice and keep a copy for your records.

Use the repair-and-deduct remedy: In many states, tenants can hire a professional to fix the problem and subtract the reasonable cost from the next month’s rent.

Withhold rent: Some states allow tenants to stop paying rent until the major repair is completed. However, this can be risky if not done exactly as state law requires.

Report the issue to local housing authorities: Code enforcement can inspect the property and order the landlord to make repairs.

Terminate the lease: As a last resort, tenants may be able to move out without penalty if the property is uninhabitable and the landlord refuses to make repairs.

For example, if the furnace breaks in January and the landlord fails to respond within the legally required timeframe, a tenant could hire a licensed contractor to repair it and deduct the cost from the rent, if state law allows. Tenants should always check and follow local rules and document everything to protect themselves from disputes or eviction.

Do Landlords Have to Pay for a Hotel During Repairs? 

In most states, landlords are not required to provide tenants with alternative housing during repairs. Only Colorado and Virginia have laws that specifically require landlords to do so.

A handful of other states, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Nebraska, Oregon, and Rhode Island, allow tenants to arrange their own temporary housing and then recover the cost from the landlord.

Can a Landlord Make a Tenant Pay for Repairs? 

Tenants are always responsible for repairing any damage they cause through negligence or deliberate actions. Since these don’t count as “necessary” repairs, landlords can charge tenants for them.

By default, landlords are responsible for paying for all necessary repairs. However, in some states, landlords and tenants may sign a written agreement that shifts responsibility for certain repairs. In those cases, tenants must usually receive something of fair value in return, often a rent reduction.

Can a Landlord Refuse to Make Repairs?

Several states allow landlords to refuse to make repairs if the tenant has defaulted on their rent payment(s). A few more permit the refusal to repair when the tenant has denied the necessary notice or access. Otherwise, landlords must make the necessary repairs as required by state law. However, it’s important to note that a landlord can refuse repairs that aren’t legally required, such as those for damage caused by the tenant. 

How to Request Repairs in Writing

Tenants should submit their request in writing directly to their landlord. Doing so creates a paper trail and shows they are following proper steps before taking further action. Here’s how to do it:

1. Document the problem: Take photos or videos that clearly show the issue, including any damage or safety risks.
2. Send a notice to repair: Write a dated letter or email to the landlord, describing the problem, requesting a repair, and providing a reasonable deadline based on state law.
3. Keep copies of everything: Save a copy of your Notice to Repair, proof of delivery (such as certified mail receipt or email confirmation), and any replies.
4. Allow reasonable time for response: Most states require landlords to respond or complete the repair within a set period. Typically, 7 to 30 days for non-emergencies and faster for urgent issues, like no heat or water.
5. Follow up if needed: If the landlord doesn’t respond, send a second notice or use one of the legal remedies available in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renter’s Rights for Repairs

What is the tenant repair law in California? 

California’s Civil Code requires landlords to keep rentals “habitable,” which includes providing working plumbing, heat, and weatherproofing. If a landlord doesn’t make repairs after receiving written notice, tenants may use California’s repair-and-deduct remedy. For example, hiring a professional to fix the problem and deducting the cost (up to 1 month’s rent) from the next rent payment.

Is a tenant responsible for repairs? 

Tenants are generally required to keep the unit clean, use appliances properly, and refrain from causing damage. If they or their guests cause damage, they may be liable for the repairs. The lease may also require them to handle minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs or air filters.

What is the repair and deduct law in Louisiana?

Louisiana allows tenants to make necessary repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their rent, provided the landlord refuses to do so after being given notice. The repair must be reasonable, and the cost must be fair. Tenants should keep receipts and be able to show that they gave the landlord a chance to fix the problem first.

What if a tenant won’t let me in for repairs?

Landlords have the right to enter the property for necessary repairs after giving proper notice (often 24–48 hours, depending on state law). If a tenant refuses entry, the landlord may be able to seek a court order or even terminate the lease in severe cases.