Tenant asking for reimbursement for “maintenance” after lease — how would you handle?

[Shesha Kandula]

I’m a landlord and have a tenant whose lease is ending soon (about a year's tenancy). They recently sent a message requesting reimbursement for various maintenance-related items they claim they paid for during their stay.

They’re claiming things like:

• Regular replacement of HVAC filters (they claim, like monthly 12*$40 for filter replacement)
• Ongoing pest control supplies for common insects over several months
• Replacing “filters” in appliances (monthly once)
• Paying for a professional cleaning after a repair was completed
• Small materials used to seal gaps to prevent pests

Some context:

• The lease doesn’t say the landlord reimburses consumables or routine maintenance
• When they reported pest concerns, I sent pest control companies and also had inspections done to check for underlying issues
• No vendor identified a major infestation or recommended ongoing treatment
• The tenant chose to continue handling pest control on their own
• They haven’t provided receipts yet
• They’re now asking for reimbursement and mentioning possible small claims if not paid

Questions:

1. Which of these (if any) are considered landlord responsibility?
2. How do courts usually view “self-handled” maintenance like this?
3. Is a lack of receipts typically a dealbreaker?
4. Would you deny outright or try to settle something small to avoid hassle?

Curious how others would approach this. Thanks in advance.

[Janice Carter]

@Shesha Kandula I would start by following your lease and local laws as that is your foundation. In most cases, routine items like HVAC filters, pest supplies and minor upkeep are considered tenant responsibilities unless the lease states otherwise. If they handled things on their own without approval and haven’t provided receipts that typically weakens their claim.