Is fixing a front porch walkway railing a minor or major repair?

Question

In my lease the tenant is required to make any minor repairs while the landlord is required to make major repairs. Would repairing a railing on a front porch walkway be considered a minor or major repairs? Also a side door to the house where they say some wood is coming off? Its a one story house.

Janice Carter · Answer

A porch railing and exterior door wood deterioration are typically considered structural and safety related items which fall under landlord responsibility. I believe all repairs that are not caused by the tenant should be the landlord’s responsibility, especially anything involving safety, habitability or exterior integrity.

Eric Janson · Answer

In the future, you could include a specific dollar threshold in your lease. Repairs below that amount would be the tenant’s responsibility, and anything above would be covered by the landlord. This helps avoid disputes over what’s “minor” or “major.” That said, safety-related items, like railings, smoke detectors, or other hazards, should always be handled promptly by the landlord, since a court might hold the landlord responsible even if the lease says otherwise.

Drew Sygit · Answer

Obviously, your lease isn't specific enough about what's what.

Even if it was, what will the city or courts say if the tenant contacts them about this?

Unless you can properly prove that the tenant caused the damages, it'll be on the landlord to repair them.

Albert Johnson · Answer

Thanks

Albert Johnson · Answer

😊 thanks.

Is fixing a front porch walkway railing a minor or major repair?

Is fixing a front porch walkway railing a minor or major repair?

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