What legal obligations do landlords have regarding property repairs?

Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the rental property is maintained in a safe and habitable condition. This includes making necessary repairs in a timely manner. The law generally requires that landlords take proactive measures to fix issues that could affect the living conditions for tenants, rather than waiting for tenants to report every problem. This responsibility is often outlined in lease agreements and can be reinforced by local housing codes that set standards for maintenance.

Landlords have a duty to address not only repairs that affect safety but also to maintain the property so that it remains habitable and compliant with codes. This includes routine maintenance and addressing non-emergency repairs that can have a negative impact on the tenants' quality of life or the property's condition. Thus, the obligation encompasses a broader scope than just responding to requests or issues that affect safety alone.