LeaseRunner Ltd
Not all lease agreements are created equal. To avoid costly surprises, disputes, or misunderstandings, make sure your lease clearly outlines these 10 essential maintenance clauses. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, having these terms in writing will save time, money, and stress.
Source: https://www.leaserunner.com
Clarify who handles what. Your lease should specify if the landlord covers major systems (like HVAC, plumbing, electrical) while tenants handle basic upkeep.
Does the lease explain what counts as an emergency and how quickly the landlord must act? This clause can protect you in urgent, high-stakes situations.
The lease should outline how tenants should report maintenance issues (email, app, call) and how long the landlord has to respond or fix them.
Make sure there's a clause stating how much advance notice the landlord must give before entering the unit for repairs. This protects your privacy while allowing proper maintenance.
If tenants are responsible for minor repairs, the lease should clearly state a dollar limit (e.g., $50 or $100 per repair). Anything above that amount should be covered by the landlord unless caused by tenant negligence.
💡 Pro Tip: Some landlords use platforms like LeaseRunner to provide transparent rental terms and automated expense tracking—making it easier for both sides to avoid confusion.
Clarify who handles seasonal duties like winterizing pipes, cleaning gutters, or servicing HVAC systems. Preventive tasks reduce long-term costs—but only if someone is clearly responsible for them in writing.
Your lease should outline procedures for preventing and reporting mold or leaks. Does the tenant need to run exhaust fans or report leaks within 24 hours? Who is liable if damage results from delays?
đź“Ž Proactive landlords often use online rental application platforms that incorporate health & safety clauses to minimize disputes like this.
If the rental comes furnished with appliances, the lease must specify who maintains and replaces them when they fail due to age or mechanical error—not misuse. Include a clause for response time, especially for refrigerators or stoves.
Who mows the lawn? Who clears snow? In single-family rentals, this is often the tenant’s job, but it should be clearly stated. If landscaping is handled by a service, clarify frequency and access expectations.
If your rental includes alarm systems, cameras, or smart locks, who handles subscriptions, battery replacement, or tech troubleshooting? Also, state whether the tenant may install their own smart security devices.
LeaseRunner offers all-inclusive tenant screening services for landlords. State-specific lease templates, rental applications, e-sign contracts—all in one platform.
LeaseRunner offers all-inclusive tenant screening services for landlords. State-specific lease templates, rental applications, e-sign contracts—all in one platform.
