This information covers options tenants have if repairs are not made and time periods that landlords have to make various types of repairs. Most residential rental units will need to be repaired at one time or another. There are two ways a landlord is most likely to learn about the need for repairs. One is through the landlord's inspection of the rental. The other is by a report from the tenant.
Some problems start small but can cause significant damage over time.
For example, a leaking toilet may cause linoleum to separate from the floor and, eventually, cause serious rot in the floor or even in the walls. If the toilet is on an upper floor, an uncorrected leak could even result in damage to ceilings, walls, and electrical equipment on the story below. This example shows why a tenant who notices that a repair is needed should tell the landlord as soon as possible. The notice does not have to be in writing. Most landlords want to make repairs quickly to minimize the costs of maintenance and to comply with their legal duties.