Rental Property Maintenance: What Is a Tenant's Role?

Your landlord handles major repairs. Your role is to keep the home clean, report problems promptly and handle minor tasks you can do safely.

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What should you take care of in a rental home, and what belongs to your landlord? Your landlord is responsible for major repairs and maintenance tasks. Your role is to keep the home clean, report problems promptly, and handle minor repairs when you can do so safely. Outdoor maintenance depends on the terms of your lease agreement. That distinction matters because keeping a home in good condition involves more than fixing something after it breaks. Good housekeeping and early attention to minor issues can help prevent small problems from becoming major repairs. That can save both you and your landlord time and money while keeping your home safe and comfortable. Why cleaning is part of maintenance Regular cleaning helps prevent pest infestations, mold growth, and other problems. Vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces are part of caring for the property, as well as keeping your living space tidy. Spills show how those roles overlap. Cleaning them up promptly helps prevent stains and damage to flooring or countertops. A routine housekeeping task can also prevent a maintenance problem. The same principle applies to everyday wear. Use coasters to prevent water rings on furniture an