Understanding who is responsible for repairs in a rental property can sometimes create confusion — or worse, disputes — between landlords and tenants.
Whether you own a rental property in Houston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land or anywhere in the Greater Houston Area, this guide will help clarify the division of responsibilities to keep your properties well-maintained and your relationships smooth.
Landlord Repair Responsibilities in Houston
In Texas — especially in the Greater Houston area — landlords must ensure their rental properties meet basic safety, health, and habitability standards. Failing to do so can not only create unhappy tenants but also violate Texas Property Code requirements.
Common landlord repair responsibilities include:
Fixing plumbing issues, such as leaks, broken pipes, or malfunctioning water heaters.
Maintaining fixtures like faucets, toilets, and showers.
Addressing electrical problems, including faulty wiring or broken outlets.
Installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ensuring all exterior doors have working locks and security devices (Texas has specific rules about security devices!).
Always review your lease agreements carefully — they may outline additional obligations. But as a rule, anything that affects a tenant's health, safety, or basic comfort falls under the landlord’s duties.
Plumbing Repairs: Who Covers What?
In Houston, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining plumbing systems — unless damage is caused by tenant misuse (like flushing inappropriate items down the drain).
Fast action on plumbing issues helps minimize costly water damage, so it’s smart for landlords and property managers to prioritize these repairs.
Appliances and Utilities in Houston Rentals
If your Houston rental includes appliances like dishwashers or ovens, you are typically responsible for keeping them operational unless otherwise specified in the lease.
Refrigerators, washers, and dryers are often offered “as-is” — meaning you can provide them without long-term repair obligations. Always be clear in the lease agreement!
Pro Tip: Utility bills are usually the tenant’s responsibility, but landlords must ensure the home’s plumbing and electrical systems function properly to support these utilities.
Tenant Repair Responsibilities in Houston Rentals
While landlords handle major systems, tenants have important maintenance roles too:
Routine upkeep: Replacing light bulbs, HVAC filters, and maintaining a clean living environment.
Fixing tenant-caused damage: Anything broken due to negligence or misuse must be repaired by the tenant.
Landscaping: In most Houston leases for single-family homes, tenants are responsible for lawn care — mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and watering (especially critical during those brutal Houston summers!).
Security additions: Tenants may install extra locks or security systems, but usually at their own cost and with landlord permission.
Proper use of utilities: Tenants should avoid damaging plumbing, gas, and electrical systems through improper use.
Prompt reporting: Quick notification of maintenance issues prevents small problems from escalating.
Can Tenants Handle Their Own Repairs?
For minor fixes — tightening a loose doorknob, patching nail holes, or changing smoke detector batteries — tenants may handle repairs themselves (often with landlord permission).
Larger, complex repairs should always be left to licensed professionals.
Common Gray Areas in Rental Repairs
Pest Control: Who’s Responsible?
Before move-in: Houston landlords must deliver properties free of pests.
During tenancy: If a tenant’s actions cause an infestation (think improper trash handling), they may be responsible.
Landlords remain responsible for issues involving wood-destroying insects like termites or carpenter ants.
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage
Normal wear and tear — like faded paint or carpet worn from normal use — is the landlord’s responsibility.
Tenant-caused damage — like stained carpets, broken windows or holes in walls — is the tenant’s responsibility.
Houston Landlord FAQs: Repairs and Maintenance
What is a landlord’s top repair responsibility?
Keeping the property safe, habitable, and compliant with Houston housing standards and the Texas Property Code.
How long does a Houston landlord have to make a repair?
Under Texas law, landlords generally have 7 days to make a health or safety repair after receiving written notice — barring material shortages or weather-related delays.
What happens if a landlord delays repairs?
If a landlord fails to make critical repairs after notice, Houston tenants may have the right to use the “repair and deduct” method — but strict legal steps must be followed under Section 92 of the Texas Property Code.
Are landlords required to maintain provided appliances?
If the appliance (e.g., oven, dishwasher) is included as part of the lease, yes.
However, if listed "as-is" (such as refrigerators or washers), landlords aren’t obligated to repair or replace them.
What’s the best way to handle tenant repair requests?
Promptly! Responding quickly and hiring licensed vendors when needed helps protect your property and build trust with tenants.
Houston Tenant FAQs: Repairs and Responsibilities
What’s the most important tenant responsibility?
Timely communication. Reporting repair needs immediately helps prevent major issues.
Can Houston tenants deduct repair costs?
Sometimes — but only if they carefully follow Texas’s strict "repair and deduct" rules, including providing proper written notice and waiting the required amount of time.
Are tenants responsible for minor fixes?
Yes! Everyday maintenance tasks like replacing air filters, light bulbs, and batteries are tenant responsibilities.
How should tenants document repair needs?
Always submit repair requests in writing, keep copies, and take photos or videos when possible.
Why Work with Trusted Property Management?
At Trusted Property Management, we specialize in facilitating rental property maintenance across Greater Houston — from Downtown to Conroe, Cypress to League City, Katy to Baytown, and beyond.
We can coordinate everything from routine repairs to emergency maintenance, ensuring your property stays in top shape and your tenants stay happy.
Ready for hassle-free property management in Houston?
Contact Trusted Property Management today to learn how we can help protect your investment and streamline your rental operations!
📞 Call us: 713.244.4457
📧 Email us: jim@trustedhoustonpm.com
