Should tenants do rental repairs? The answer to this question depends on the tenants lease. While tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and reporting maintenance issues, significant repairs fall under the landlord’s jurisdiction.
Some tenants may consider handling repairs themselves, whether to save time or money. However, this is often prohibited in lease agreements and can have serious legal and financial consequences. Below are the top reasons tenants should never attempt repairs on a rental property.
Reasons Why Tenants Shouldn’t Do Rental Repairs
Most rental agreements include clauses that explicitly prohibit tenants from performing repairs beyond minor maintenance. This ensures that any work done on the property meets professional standards and does not cause further damage. Violating these terms can lead to fines, loss of security deposit, or even eviction.
Legal and Liability Concerns
Many jurisdictions have laws that regulate repairs and maintenance on rental properties. If a tenant attempts a repair and something goes wrong, they could be held liable for damages, injuries, or violations of building codes. In extreme cases, tenants could even face legal action from the landlord or other affected parties.
Risk of Improper Repairs
Even if tenants have basic handy person skills, they likely lack the proper training and expertise to perform repairs. Poorly executed rental property repairs can lead to more significant problems, such as water damage from a failed plumbing fix or electrical hazards from incorrect wiring. In the long run, these mistakes could cost the tenant and the landlord significantly more money to correct.
Potential Safety Hazards
Certain repairs can be hazardous, especially those involving rental property in Portland Oregon electrical work, plumbing, or structural modifications. Attempting DIY repairs without proper knowledge or tools can put tenants at risk of injuries, including electrocution, falls, or exposure to harmful materials like asbestos or mold. Professional repair services have the necessary experience and safety protocols to handle these situations correctly.
Voiding Landlord’s Insurance
Landlords typically carry insurance policies that cover damage and repairs to their rental properties. However, if a tenant performs an unauthorized repair and causes damage, the insurance company may deny claims related to that incident. This could leave both the tenant and the landlord facing significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Warranty and Code Compliance Issues
Many rental properties have appliances, fixtures, and structural elements covered under warranties. Unauthorized repairs could void these warranties, meaning future repairs or replacements would not be covered. Additionally, many rental repairs maintenance must comply with local building codes, and unlicensed repairs may not meet those requirements, leading to potential legal issues and fines.
Damage to the Property
An unskilled tenant attempting a repair might unintentionally cause more damage to the property. For example, a simple clogged drain could become a severe plumbing issue if dismantled incorrectly. Any damage caused by the tenant could result in deductions from their security deposit or additional charges.
Delays in Proper Repairs
If tenants attempt to fix a problem themselves, they may temporarily mask it rather than resolve the root cause. This can lead to prolonged damage that worsens over time. Reporting maintenance concerns to the landlord or property management company ensures that licensed professionals do repairs correctly and promptly.
Lack of Proper Tools and Materials
Professional repair technicians have access to the right tools, materials, and expertise needed for high-quality repairs. Tenants trying to perform their fixes may lack specialized equipment, leading to ineffective or temporary solutions that do not resolve the issue correctly.
Financial Consequences for the Tenant
If a tenant performs an unauthorized repair resulting in additional damage, they may be held financially responsible for fixing their mistake. This could lead to deductions from their security deposit, extra charges, or even legal action from the landlord.
While it may be tempting for tenants to take repairs into their own hands, doing so can lead to serious consequences, including legal issues, safety risks, financial liability, and further damage to the property. The best action is to report maintenance issues to the landlord or property management company so that professionals can safely handle the repairs. By following proper procedures, tenants can avoid unnecessary risks and ensure their rental home remains in good condition.
At Rent Portland Homes – Professionals, our property management services include a dedicated rental repairs maintenance team. To learn more about the services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.
