Who is legally responsible for repairs in a rental?

This plain-English guide sorts out a common source of rental disputes: when something breaks, is it the landlord’s responsibility or the tenant’s? The answer turns on the lease, local law, and whether the damage was normal wear or tenant-caused.

Knowing the rule is half the battle; proving your side is the other half. Whether you’re a renter who shouldn’t be charged or a landlord deciding what you owe, the argument goes better when you can clearly describe what failed and why. OwnWise helps you build that record: it diagnoses the likely fault, indicates whether it points to wear-and-tear or misuse, and estimates a fair repair cost — useful evidence for getting the right party to pay.

When responsibility is contested, a clear, documented diagnosis is your strongest footing.