Tenant needs help: is this lease term standard and/or fair?
Hi BP community,
I am a tenant and had a question about the following statement in my lease agreement:
"Regardless of assignment of responsibility, tenant agrees to be responsible for the first $250.00 of any repair or maintenance required on the systems of the property for the term of the lease. This deductible applies per occurrence."
Is this a common lease term? To me, it sounds like I can get charged $250 to fix anything the landlord wants in the house. Need a new roof, I pay $250. Water heater fails, I pay $250. I don't think these are common expenses a tenant is normally responsible to help cover. I'm I right in questioning this term? Thanks!
Most Popular Reply
- Real Estate Broker
- Cody, WY
- 41,507
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I've seen the clause before and think it's what I would expect from a cheat, not an honest business person. They argue it is to keep temants from making frivolous maintenance requests but then they apply it towards a fridge compressor that breaks. People rent a functional home and it is the Landlord's responsibility to maintain it unless a problem is caused by Tenant abuse or neglect.
At the same time, nobody forces you to sign it.
- Nathan Gesner
