Posted on August 21, 2026

A sink starts dripping. The refrigerator suddenly stops cooling. There's a strange stain developing near the ceiling.

Who handles it—the renter or the landlord?

The answer isn't always as simple as "the landlord fixes everything" or "the tenant is responsible." Rental responsibilities depend on the issue, the lease, applicable housing requirements, and the circumstances.

Your First Responsibility: Report Problems

One of the smartest habits a renter can develop is reporting maintenance problems promptly.

Don't wait until a small leak becomes a damaged floor or a minor plumbing issue becomes a major problem.

When something goes wrong, send a clear maintenance request containing:

• The date

• Where the problem is located

• A short explanation of what's happening

• When you first noticed it

• Photos or videos when helpful

Chicago's RLTO includes responsibilities for both landlords and tenants, including tenant duties involving the rental unit.

Keep Your Rental Reasonably Clean

Everyday care matters.

Renters should use the property and its fixtures appropriately, keep their living space reasonably clean, follow lease requirements, and avoid causing unnecessary damage.

Think of it this way:

Maintenance problems happen. Neglect can make them worse.

You aren't expected to become the building's plumber, electrician, or repair technician. But you should communicate when something needs professional attention.

Put Maintenance Requests in Writing

Calling the property manager can be useful, particularly for something urgent.

But it's also smart to create a written record. If you call about a problem, consider following the established property process through its maintenance portal, email, or other approved written method.

That record can show:

August 4: leak reported.
August 5: management responded.
August 6: repair scheduled.

That's much easier to follow than trying to remember a phone conversation months later.

Read Your Lease Before Doing Repairs Yourself

Before painting, replacing fixtures, installing equipment, or making other changes, check your lease.

Something that feels like a harmless improvement might require permission.

The same goes for maintenance responsibilities. Your lease may address routine care or procedures for requesting repairs.

Good renters don't need to know how to fix every problem.

They need to know how to notice problems, report them quickly, follow the proper maintenance process, care for the rental reasonably, and keep documentation.

Clear communication can prevent a small maintenance concern from becoming a much bigger issue.

Educational information only and not legal advice.