What landlords are legally required to provide

A landlord's basic responsibility is to provide a rental unit that is safe to live in and meets building codes. This means the structure itself must be sound — the roof cannot leak, the walls cannot have holes that let in pests or weather, and the foundation cannot be cracked in ways that make the building unsafe. The landlord must also may support the unit has working utilities: electricity, water, and heat (in climates where it is needed). In most places, heat must reach at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months, though this varies by state and local law.

Beyond the basics, landlords must maintain systems and fixtures that were in the unit when you moved in or that they installed. If the kitchen came with a stove, the stove must work. If there is a bathroom, the toilet and sink must function. Appliances that came with the lease are the landlord's responsibility to repair or replace when they break from normal wear and tear — not from damage you caused.

Landlords must also keep common areas safe and clean. If you live in a multi-unit building, the landlord is responsible for hallways, stairs, parking lots, and laundry rooms. They must fix broken lights, repair loose railings, and remove hazards like broken glass or ice buildup that could cause injury.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords must provide a habitable unit with a sound structure, working utilities, and heat in winter, meeting local building codes.
  • Appliances and fixtures that came with the rental must be kept in working order; the landlord pays for repairs from normal wear and tear.
  • Common areas in multi-unit buildings — hallways, stairs, parking areas — must be maintained safely and kept free of hazards.
  • Landlords must respond to repair requests within a timeframe set by your state or local law, which typically ranges from 24 hours to 14 days depending on the severity.
  • Pest control, mold removal, and lead paint disclosure are landlord responsibilities in most places, though the rules vary by location.

Repairs and how quickly they must be made

When something breaks, the landlord must fix it within a legally set timeframe. The exact important date depends on your state and the severity of the problem. An emergency repair — no heat in winter, no water, a gas leak, or a broken lock — typically must be addressed within 24 to 48 hours. Non-emergency repairs like a dripping faucet or a broken cabinet hinge usually have a longer window, often 7 to 14 days.

You must notify the landlord in writing (email counts) and describe the problem clearly. Keep a copy of your message. If the landlord does not respond within the legal timeframe, you may have the right to hire a contractor and deduct the cost from your rent, or to break the lease without penalty — but these remedies vary by state. Some states require you to give the landlord a second notice before you take action yourself. Check your state's tenant rights website or local housing authority to learn the exact process in your area.

The landlord is not responsible for repairs you caused through misuse or negligence. If you broke a window by throwing something, or if you damaged the wall by hanging heavy items incorrectly, the landlord can charge you for the repair. Normal wear and tear — a faucet that drips after years of use, paint that fades, or carpet that shows foot traffic — is the landlord's responsibility.

Pest control and mold

In most states, landlords must keep the rental free of pests like roaches, rodents, and bed bugs. If you move in and find an infestation, or if one develops during your tenancy through no fault of your own, the landlord must pay for professional pest control. You are responsible only if the infestation resulted from your failure to keep the unit clean — for example, leaving food out or blocking access to areas that need treatment.

Mold is also a landlord responsibility in most places. If mold appears because of a leak, poor ventilation, or high humidity caused by a building defect, the landlord must identify the source and fix it, then have the mold professionally removed. If mold appears because you did not report a leak or because you failed to ventilate the bathroom after showers, the responsibility may shift to you. The key is whether the condition was caused by the building itself or by your actions.

Lead paint and other hazardous materials

If your rental was built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to disclose the presence or suspected presence of lead paint before you sign the lease. The landlord must provide you with an EPA pamphlet called "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" and give you ten days to have the property inspected for lead. This is a disclosure requirement — the landlord does not have to remove the lead, only to tell you it may be there.

Once you move in, the landlord must maintain the property so that lead paint does not deteriorate and create dust or chips. If paint is peeling or cracking, the landlord must repair it. Some states and cities have stricter rules and require landlords to remove lead paint entirely or to use lead-safe work practices during repairs.

Other hazardous materials — asbestos, radon, or mold from water damage — fall under similar disclosure rules. The landlord must tell you about known hazards. If a hazard is discovered during your tenancy, the landlord must address it according to local law.

Locks, security, and entry rights

The landlord must provide working locks on all exterior doors and windows. If a lock is broken or if you lose a key, the landlord must repair or rekey it at their expense. You have the right to change the locks yourself in some states, but you must provide the landlord with a key so they can enter in emergencies.

The landlord has the right to enter your unit, but only for specific reasons: to make repairs, to show the property to prospective tenants or buyers, to inspect for damage, or to address an emergency. They must give you notice — typically 24 to 48 hours — except in emergencies like a fire or gas leak. The landlord cannot enter straightforward to check on you or to show up unannounced.

Utilities and services

The landlord must may support that water, electricity, and gas are available and functioning. If the utility is in the landlord's name, they must pay for it. If it is in your name, you pay, but the landlord must may support the infrastructure is in place and working. The landlord cannot shut off utilities as a way to force you to move or to punish you for a dispute — this is illegal in all states.

Heat is a special case. In cold climates, the landlord must provide heat or may support the heating system works so that the unit reaches the minimum temperature set by local law. If you have to pay for heat, the lease must state this clearly. The landlord cannot require you to pay for heat and then fail to maintain the system.

What landlords are not responsible for

Landlords are not responsible for damage you cause intentionally or through carelessness. If you break a window, spill something on the carpet, or punch a hole in the wall, you must pay for the repair. The landlord can deduct the cost from your security deposit or bill you separately.

Landlords are also not responsible for normal wear and tear that results from you living in the space. Faded paint, worn carpet, loose cabinet handles, and small nail holes are expected after months or years of use. The landlord cannot charge you for these when you move out.

In some cases, the landlord is not responsible for repairs if the lease clearly states that you are responsible. For example, if the lease says you must maintain the HVAC filter or mow the lawn, those become your duties. However, the landlord cannot shift responsibility for major systems or structural repairs to you — these remain the landlord's obligation under law.

When to contact a lawyer or housing authority

If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, does not respond to requests, or retaliates against you for asking for repairs, you may need outside help. Contact your local housing authority, tenant rights organization, or legal aid office. Many offer free consultations and can tell you whether the landlord has violated the law and what remedies are available to you.

Retaliation — raising your rent, threatening eviction, or reducing services because you asked for a repair or reported a code violation — is illegal in most states. If you believe you are being retaliated against, document everything and report it to your local housing authority or attorney general's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord charge me for repairs if something breaks?

No, if the item was in the unit when you moved in or came with the lease, the landlord must pay for repairs from normal wear and tear. You are responsible only if you damaged it intentionally or through misuse. For example, a leaking faucet is the landlord's responsibility; a faucet you broke by forcing it is yours.

How long can a landlord take to fix a broken heater?

An emergency repair like no heat in winter must typically be fixed within 24 to 48 hours. Some states allow up to 72 hours. Check your state's tenant rights law or contact your local housing authority for the exact important date in your area.

What should I do if my landlord ignores repair requests?

Send a written request (email is fine) and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within the legal timeframe, contact your local housing authority or tenant rights organization. In some states, you can hire a contractor and deduct the cost from rent, but you must follow the correct procedure first.

Is the landlord responsible for pest control?

Yes, in most places. If you move in and find pests, or if an infestation develops through no fault of yours, the landlord must pay for professional treatment. You are responsible only if the infestation resulted from your failure to keep the unit clean.

Can my landlord enter my apartment whenever they want?

No. The landlord can enter only for repairs, inspections, showing the property, or emergencies, and they must give you 24 to 48 hours' notice in most states. Emergencies like fire or gas leaks do not require notice. The landlord cannot enter to check on you or without a legal reason.