Both owners property and tenants face the most frustrating issue when it comes to the responsibility for maintenance. Although the lease agreement clearly states which maintenance tasks are the responsibility of the property owner or tenant, executing them can be challenging due to various circumstances, leading to conflicts and disagreements.

The most common situation is when equipment inside the house, such as faucets, stoves, and appliances, malfunctions and needs repair. The question is whether the related expenses should be borne by the landlord or tenant. Generally, the lease agreement will specify that if the equipment malfunctions under normal use by the tenant, the landlord is responsible for the repair costs. However, what constitutes normal use does not have a standard answer, and it is difficult for landlords and tenants to describe in detail what normal use means in the rental contract.

According to popular belief, it is difficult to prove that a tenant's improper use of facilities has led to maintenance costs, and the property has already been provided for the tenant's use. In order to avoid tenants becoming "destructive kings" who refuse to pay for maintenance costs, landlords usually assume responsibility for such costs.

Even if the tenant is not a "destructive king," if they allow facilities to deteriorate without repair until the end of the lease and then move out, the responsibility for repairs falls back on the landlord. The landlord can certainly deduct the deposit as maintenance expenses when taking back the unit, but if certain facilities, such as the water pipes, are not dealt with in a timely manner, it could lead to more serious problems such as leakage, resulting in even greater losses. To avoid losing more due to less, it is best for the landlord to deal with issues as soon as possible when they arise.

Also, if tenants are not too troublesome and pay the rent on time, as a landlord, the relationship with tenants will not deteriorate due to minor repair costs, and ultimately, the landlord is responsible for them.

If we continue to reason this way, it will always end up with the responsibility falling on the homeowners. Isn't that very unfair to them?

The purpose for property owners to lease their properties is to receive steady rental income and minimize potential inconvenience. To avoid renter requests for repairs, the best approach is to inspect all interior facilities of the property before leasing and replace any items as necessary. In the lease agreement, clearly state that all facilities are operational and in good condition. Once the lease agreement is signed, the responsibility for any repairs falls on the renter. Require the renter to inspect and confirm that all facilities are in normal operating condition before signing the lease agreement to avoid disputes between the property owner and the renter over whether a facility is functioning normally in the future.

To more be passive, owners should only provide basic equipment as much as possible, and tenants should add equipment on their own if necessary, to minimize responsibility.