For Parents
Q: Is it the responsibility of the landlord or the tenant to make repairs in the house or apartment?
A: In general, tenants are responsible for giving the landlord notice of any needed repairs or maintenance. This is especially important when the problem will cause additional damage unless it is promptly fixed. A tenant should also contact his or her landlord upon the notice of insects or rodents in his or her apartment.
Landlords are usually responsible for: 1) Keeping common areas, such as hallways and laundry facilities, clean and safe; 2) Maintaining electrical and plumbing systems within the unit; 3) Repairing any peeling lead-based paint; and 4) Maintaining the unit and all supplied equipment, such as refrigerators, stoves, etc.
The most common problem for tenants is working with the landlord to make necessary repairs on the premises. If several people live together, identify a spokesperson for the group. When there are problems, have the spokesperson immediately contact the landlord and follow-up in writing. Do not be afraid to keep calling if the problem is not resolved.
You can view a copy of a sample letter requesting repairs here. If the landlord refuses to make necessary repairs or fails to make repairs in a reasonable amount of time, contact City of Syracuse Code Enforcement at 315-448-8695.