Not sure who fixes what? This guide clarifies tenant vs landlord responsibilities in Midland, MI so you know what to do yourself, what to report, and how to protect your security deposit. We’ve packed this with checklists, Michigan-specific notes (snow/salt/lawn), emergency steps, real-world scenarios, and a submission template that gets faster “yes” responses.
Need a repair now? Submit a request: Request Maintenance
Shopping for a place? See homes & duplexes: Availability/Waitlist
- Quick Reference Checklist
- Michigan-Specific Notes (Snow, Salt, Lawn)
- What to Do in an Emergency
- How to Submit a Maintenance Request (That Gets a Fast Yes)
- Preventive Maintenance Tenants Should Do (Saves Money)
- Normal Wear vs Damage (Deposit Protection 101)
- Pets & Approvals (Fast Tips)
- Real-World Scenarios (What to Do)
- Myth vs Fact
- FAQs
- Friendly Reminder (Not Legal Advice)
Quick Reference Checklist
Rule of thumb: Tenants handle consumables and housekeeping. Landlords handle systems, structure, and safety.
At-a-Glance Responsibility Table
| Item / Task | Tenant Handles | Landlord Handles | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light bulbs | Replace standard bulbs | Specialty fixtures/ballasts | Report flicker/burning smell |
| Smoke/CO batteries | Replace batteries | Provide compliant detectors | Don’t disable alarms; report persistent chirps |
| HVAC air filter | Replace per lease schedule | HVAC repairs/servicing | Late filter swaps can cause breakdowns |
| Drains & toilets | Prevent clogs; flapper/seat | System backups, root intrusions | No grease/wipes; use strainers |
| Pests | Housekeeping/trash practices | Infestations not from neglect | Seal pet food; report early |
| Tenant/guest damage | Repair/replace | — | Broken blinds, big wall holes, door damage |
| Major appliances | Basic care; report issues | Repair/replace for normal wear | Don’t self-repair; include error codes |
| Roof/structure/electrical/plumbing | — | Diagnose/repair | Use shutoffs in emergencies |
| Water heater/sump/well/septic | — | Repair/maintenance | Note what shutoff you used |
| Weather/insurance events | Mitigate, document | Coordinate restoration | Photos + timestamps help |
| Code/safety items | Don’t remove/disable | Provide & maintain | Handrails, egress, GFCI as required |
Lease Clause Decoder (Read These Lines First)
- “Routine consumables” = bulbs, batteries, basic filters; yard/snow only if specified elsewhere.
- “Systems & code compliance” = landlord handles HVAC/plumbing/electrical, smoke/CO devices, egress.
- “As-is cosmetic condition” = document at move-in; photos are your proof.
- “Permission to enter” = set your preferred window; add pet notes to avoid reschedules.
- “Snow/yard addendum” = who shovels/salts/mows and timing expectations.
Michigan-Specific Notes (Snow, Salt, Lawn)
- Snow & Ice: Your lease states who handles driveway/sidewalk clearing and salting. If it’s you, ask whether salt and a shovel are supplied. Keep walkways safe after storms to prevent slips and potential city notices.
- Lawn & Yard: Confirm mowing frequency, height, edging, and leaf pickup. If mowing is your job, set a recurring reminder during the growing season.
- Neighborhood/City Expectations: Some areas expect timely snow/ice removal and neat lawns. Missing expectations can lead to warnings or fines—clarify before winter or peak grass season.
Single-Family vs Duplex: What Often Changes
- Single-Family: Tenant more likely to handle lawn and snow if stated; trash day set by city.
- Duplex/Townhome: Common areas (shared walks) often landlord/contractor; confirm driveway split.
- Basements/Sumps: Report moisture immediately; a small dehumidifier can help, but don’t ignore dampness.
Pro move: Add phone reminders
- “Snow check” alert: day of snowfall + 24 hours after
- “Yard care” alert: weekly in May–September
What to Do in an Emergency
Emergency Triage – What to Shut Off
- Active leak → Turn fixture valve → still leaking? Main water.
- Sparking outlet/smell → Breaker OFF → submit request ASAP.
- Gas smell → Exit + 911 → notify landlord after you’re safe.
- Roof leak in storm → Bucket/towels + photos → submit as Emergency.
Then:
- Stay safe. Call 911 for fire, gas, or smoke.
- Document. Short video/photos showing the issue and the shutoff you used.
- Submit via
Request Maintenancewith room, start time, what you shut off, and current status. - Mitigate. Towels/bucket at slow drip; keep kids/pets away; do not run unsafe equipment.
How to Submit a Maintenance Request (That Gets a Fast Yes)
Before you hit submit:
- Photos/video: 2–4 clear shots or a 10–20s clip.
- Describe: room, what it affects, when it started, frequency (“constant drip” vs “only when shower runs”).
- Access: pet notes, alarm details, preferred windows or permission to enter.
- Utilities: note any shutoffs (main water, breaker, valve).
Priority guide:
- Emergency (now): active leak, fire/smoke, sparking outlets, no heat in extreme cold, gas smell.
- Urgent (24–48h): fridge failing, power out in kitchen/bath, toilet failure in a single-bath home.
- Routine (3–5 days): slow drain, loose cabinet door, wobbly knob, cosmetic fixes.
Maintenance Request Template (copy into your form/email)
Subject: Maintenance Request – [Issue] – [Address/Unit]
Room/Location: [Kitchen – under sink]
Started: [Date/Time] | Frequency: [constant / intermittent]
What I did: [Shut off fixture valve / flipped breaker 12]
Photos/Video: [attached 3 photos + 15s clip]
Access: [OK to enter 9–3 | pet dog, crated | alarm off]
Urgency: [Emergency / Urgent / Routine]
Notes: [Any error code, noises, smells, or weather context]
Follow-up: If you don’t receive an ETA within the standard non-emergency window, reply to your confirmation email with “Follow-up on request #____”.
Preventive Maintenance Tenants Should Do (Saves Money)
Every 60–90 days
- Replace furnace filter (save the size on your phone).
- Quick vacuum on return vents and fridge coils (if accessible and safe).
Monthly
- Clean dryer lint trap; report slow drying (could be a vent issue).
- Inspect under sinks for drips; report any soft/swollen cabinet bottoms.
Seasonal
- Winter: Salt steps/walkways if assigned; don’t let ice build.
- Spring: Report gutter overflow, foundation dampness, window screen tears.
- Summer: Mow/edge per lease; keep grills away from siding.
- Fall: Leaf pickup plan; report caulk gaps before freeze.
Bathroom care
- Use mats/caulk guards near showers; report soft flooring immediately.
- Re-caulking is usually landlord scope—don’t remove caulk; request service.
Normal Wear vs Damage (Deposit Protection 101)
Normal wear (usually not chargeable)
- Minor nail holes (properly filled), light scuffs, hinge squeaks, gentle carpet traffic.
Damage (likely chargeable)
- Large wall holes, pet-chewed trim, uncleaned stains, cracked glass from misuse, unauthorized paint.
Deposit-protect steps
- Move-in photos: Wide + detail shots (floors, walls, counters, appliances, bath, windows).
- Inspection checklist: Note pre-existing conditions within the allowed timeframe.
- Report early: Small spots/drips become big repairs fast.
- Move-out basics: wipe surfaces, vacuum, remove nails (patch/feather), clean fridge/oven, wipe bath silicone edges gently.
Use our free template: Move-In & Move-Out Inspection Checklist
Pets & Approvals (Fast Tips)
- Keep a pet resume (age, breed/mix, training, temperament) and vet records handy.
- Yard care: bag waste; repair dig spots quickly; brush pets to reduce shed on vents.
- Report minor scratches early—small touch-ups are cheaper than full replacements.
- Note: Assistance animals follow different rules than pets—mention this in your request if it applies.
Real-World Scenarios (What to Do)
- Fridge warm, motor noisy: 10s video of the noise + thermostat setting; submit Urgent. Keep doors closed and move perishables to a cooler.
- Ceiling drip during storm: Photo of ceiling + area above; note when it drips; submit Emergency if active. Bucket under drip; don’t poke a swollen ceiling.
- Toilet runs nonstop: Shut the supply valve behind the toilet; check flapper chain; submit Urgent if it won’t stop.
- Outlet faceplate warm/smell: Flip the breaker off, submit Emergency with a photo of the breaker you used.
- Ants in spring: Clean crumbs/pet food; seal sugar; submit Routine with photo trail and entry spot.
Myth vs Fact
- Myth: “All clogs are the landlord’s job.”
Fact: Tenant-caused clogs are usually tenant responsibility; system/root issues are landlord. - Myth: “I can remove smoke detectors if they chirp.”
Fact: Never disable alarms; replace batteries and report persistent chirps. - Myth: “Appliance failure = automatic replacement.”
Fact: Landlord repairs or replaces based on diagnosis and normal wear.
FAQs
Who replaces furnace filters and how often?
Most leases require tenants to replace basic air filters every 60–90 days. Check your filter size and schedule; the landlord maintains the HVAC system itself.
Do I have to shovel snow?
Check your lease. In many Midland rentals, tenants shovel and salt sidewalks/driveways; some leases include landlord or contractor service.
What if an appliance fails from normal use?
Submit through the maintenance portal with photos/video. Landlords typically repair or replace major appliances that fail from normal wear.
Who handles pest control?
Tenants prevent pests through housekeeping; landlords handle infestations not caused by neglect. Report issues early.
What if I can’t be home for a repair?
Add access instructions (permission to enter or lockbox) and pet notes. The office will coordinate a time window.
Friendly Reminder (Not Legal Advice)
This guide summarizes common tenant vs landlord maintenance responsibilities in Midland, MI. Always defer to your signed lease and addenda; those documents control if anything differs here.
