The renter's maintenance checklist
Renting doesn't mean nothing is your job. It means a shorter list — but the items on it are the ones that quietly cost you a security deposit. Here's the honest split of responsibilities, plus the monthly and seasonal habits worth keeping.
Read your lease first
Local law and your lease decide the real split, and both vary a lot by state and city. The lists below are the common defaults in US rentals — treat them as a starting point, not legal advice.
Who handles what
Usually the landlord
- Heating, cooling, and water heater repairs
- Plumbing leaks inside walls and main drain clogs
- Electrical systems and breaker panels
- Roof, windows, exterior doors, and structure
- Appliances that came with the unit
- Pest control for building-wide infestations
- Smoke detector installation and hard-wired units
Usually you
- Replacing HVAC filters and light bulbs
- Smoke and CO detector batteries
- Keeping drains clear of hair and grease
- Routine cleaning, including range hood and dishwasher filters
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Renters insurance for your belongings
- Lawn or snow duties if your lease says so
Every month
- Check and replace the HVAC filter (many units take a 1-inch filter monthly)
- Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
- Run hot water and a drain screen check in every sink and tub
- Wipe down the range hood filter and dishwasher trap
- Look under sinks for damp spots or warped cabinet bottoms
- Check window seals for condensation or mildew
By season
Spring & summer
- Vacuum the AC vents and clean window-unit filters
- Check window and balcony screens before you open them all season
- Watch for ants and pantry moths; report anything building-wide
- Reverse ceiling fans to run counterclockwise
Fall & winter
- Ask maintenance to service the furnace before the first cold snap
- Add weatherstripping or a draft stopper on drafty doors (removable only)
- Keep the thermostat above 55°F when traveling so pipes don't freeze
- Know where your unit's water shutoff and breaker panel are
Protecting your deposit
Photograph everything on day one and last day
Timestamped photos of every room, appliance, and existing scuff are the single most effective deposit protection. Email them to yourself so the date is verifiable.
Put every request in writing
A text or email creates the paper trail that shows you reported the leak when it started, not after it damaged the floor.
Use damage-free hanging hardware
Adhesive strips and picture-rail hooks instead of anchors keep drywall patching off your move-out invoice.
Deep-clean before the walkthrough, not after
Oven, fridge seals, baseboards, and blinds are the four things inspectors check first and the four most likely to be professionally cleaned at your expense.
Worth keeping on hand
- HVAC filters (check your size)
- 9V and AA detector batteries
- Drain hair catcher
- Damage-free wall hanging strips
- Removable draft stopper
- Magnetic tool kit for small repairs
- Non-scratch cleaning kit
- Water leak detector alarm
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Frequently asked questions
What maintenance are renters responsible for?
Usually filters, light bulbs, detector batteries, drain care, and keeping the unit clean and undamaged. Structural, appliance, and system repairs are typically the landlord's.
How do I protect my security deposit?
Photograph everything at move-in and move-out, report issues in writing, use damage-free hanging hardware, and clean thoroughly before the final walkthrough.
Do renters need insurance?
Most leases require it, and it is inexpensive. Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or your liability.
Related guides
A renter-sized calendar.
Tell LyfeMinder you rent an apartment with no yard, and it drops the roof and mower reminders entirely — you get filters, detectors, renters insurance renewal, and lease dates instead.
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