Who pays for repairs in a rented apartment?
One of the most common rental questions is: who pays for apartment repairs – the tenant or the owner? The answer is simple: it depends on the type of fault.
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In practice, there is a clear division of responsibilities. Minor repairs are usually the tenant’s responsibility. More serious faults and technical issues are the responsibility of the owner or property manager.
In short: not everything falls on you. Which is just as well.
The basic principle – who is responsible for what?
Rental works on a simple logic:
- day-to-day use of the flat = tenant’s responsibility,
- technical condition of the flat = owner’s responsibility.
That way, everyone knows who acts when something stops working.
Because the best flat is a flat in peace.
What does the tenant repair?
The tenant is responsible for minor repairs and day-to-day maintenance. That is, things that arise from normal use of the flat.
These most commonly include:
- adjusting doors and windows,
- unblocking drains,
- replacing small components, e.g. seals or hoses,
- regrouting and resealing with silicone,
- minor wall touch-ups, e.g. hairline cracks or repainting,
- basic electrical fitting repairs,
- maintenance of radiators and sanitary fittings.
In other words: you live here, you use it, you look after it. Perfectly normal.
What does the landlord repair?
The owner or property manager is responsible for larger faults and the technical elements of the property.
This covers, among other things:
- water, electrical and heating installations,
- household appliances that are part of the flat’s fixtures,
- structural elements of the building,
- common areas such as stairwells, lifts and the estate grounds,
- faults resulting from the construction of the building.
In these situations you do not need to find a tradesperson yourself. Just submit a report. We will take care of the rest.
New flat and small wall cracks – is that normal?
Yes. New buildings can “settle”. This is a natural process of the structure and materials adjusting to usage conditions.
You may notice:
- small cracks in walls or ceilings,
- hairline cracks at material joints,
- slight shifts in the alignment of doors or windows,
- minor movement in the flooring.
It sounds alarming, but it is usually perfectly normal. Not every crack is a construction disaster.
How long does a repair take?
It depends on the type of fault.
Some issues are resolved quickly. Others require:
- an additional expert assessment,
- exploratory work,
- ordering parts,
- specific technical or seasonal conditions.
If a repair takes longer, you will receive information about the timeline and progress of the work. Clear terms apply to faults too.
How do I report a fault in my flat?
The easiest way is online. In naj m, the Pocket Lokator platform is used for this purpose.
The process is straightforward:
- select the property address,
- describe the fault,
- add a photo,
- provide your contact details,
- submit the report.
After submitting, you will receive a case number and a link to track the status.
Broken washing machine? Quick report, problem sorted.
Not everything is a fault
Not everything you notice in a flat is a defect.
Examples of normal material characteristics:
- natural shade variations,
- minor irregularities within acceptable tolerances,
- slight flex in flooring panels under pressure.
Sometimes something looks suspicious but is actually… perfectly normal.
What to do in an emergency?
If a hazard arises, such as a fire, flooding or a serious installation failure:
- ensure your safety first,
- call 112,
- contact the property administration.
In exceptional circumstances, the property manager may enter the flat in your absence in order to prevent a hazard. Safety is naj.
What if the fault was caused by the tenant?
If the problem results from:
- improper use,
- neglect,
- damage caused by the tenant,
the cost of the repair is borne by the tenant.
In such situations, the repair may be arranged by the property manager, but at the tenant’s expense.
Summary – who pays for repairs?
In brief:
- minor repairs → tenant,
- serious faults and installations → owner,
- building defects → contractor,
- damage caused by the tenant → tenant.
A clear division. Clear terms.
And that means less stress and more peace of mind in your flat.