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Tenant Responsibilities for Property Maintenance

A clear breakdown of what tenants are responsible for maintaining in their unit.

Updated over a month ago

Your Maintenance Responsibilities as a Tenant

Keeping your home in good condition is a shared responsibility. PPM handles structural repairs and major systems β€” but as a tenant, there are day-to-day items that are yours to maintain. Here's what you need to know.


What Tenants Are Responsible For

  • Keeping the unit clean β€” regular cleaning of floors, appliances, bathrooms, and common areas within your unit

  • Changing light bulbs β€” standard bulb replacements inside the unit

  • Changing HVAC filters β€” if your unit has individual filters, replace them every 1–3 months

  • Pest prevention β€” keeping the unit free of food debris that attracts pests; reporting infestations promptly

  • Preventing damage β€” not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear

  • Reporting issues promptly β€” do not let a small issue become a large one. If you notice a leak, draft, or malfunction, report it right away

  • Drain maintenance β€” keeping drains clear of hair and debris using strainers

  • Smoke and CO detectors β€” testing monthly and notifying PPM immediately if a detector is missing, damaged, or low-battery


What PPM Is Responsible For

PPM handles all structural repairs, major system maintenance (plumbing, HVAC, electrical), appliance repairs for landlord-supplied appliances, and anything that affects habitability. See Emergency Repairs: Procedures and Contacts for urgent issues.


Damage Caused by Tenant

Damage beyond normal wear and tear β€” caused by the tenant, household members, or guests β€” is the tenant's financial responsibility. This includes things like holes in walls, broken fixtures, or damage from neglect (e.g., a slow leak that was not reported and caused water damage).


Report Issues Early

The sooner you report a maintenance issue, the less damage it causes and the faster it gets resolved. Submit requests through your tenant portal at any time.

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