Sunday January 29th 2012

Is replacing air filters and lights the responsibility of landlords?

I live in oklahoma. I got central heat and air so is it my responsibility to replace the filter? About lights, I’m not talking about regular light bulbs, these are the long ones, like in businesses. I don’t know what they are called, but I just figured they would be more expensive. Ok, one other thing, my toilet sometimes makes a loud vibrating sound after it’s flushed, does the landlord have to fix this????

2 Comments for “Is replacing air filters and lights the responsibility of landlords?”

  • Noodles says:

    First thing you need to do is to re-read your lease or rental agreement. You may find the answers right there. If no answers in the lease then I would suggest the following: Enter into a dialogue with the property manager or owner. You might also ask what your neighbors are doing about the same issues. I know some landlords provide new filters and some do not. I leased a unit and bought and changed filters myself and did so frequently due to allergies. My landlord was outstanding in the care of the property in other ways and as a long term tenant I did not mind paying for filters. As for the lights you should again check with your lease. Normally, light bulbs are taken care of by tenants as the life of the bulb is subject to use of tenant. But, if it is a specialty bulb you may have an argument. If your are using Fluorescent tubes/ bulbs they usually last a very long time and are cost effective for you. The one item that is clearly the landlord’s responsibility is the toilet/ plumbing. You should contact the manager promptly and have the toilet checked. If you don’t get action on a verbal first request/complaint then you need to follow with a written letter sent certified mail to the management or landlord. If you don’t have an on site manager then go with a written letter tucked in with the rent check. You have a responsibility to not let damage occur to your unit and to keep your owner informed about any defect in your unit. Example, don’t let a leak go for weeks and cause damage to drywall. Report things promptly and politely and cover yourself with a nice letter that sets out to memorialize your conversation with management or the owner and set out your understanding of the situation. Good news is that the filters for your furnace are probably not too costly. I had one specialty light that was a bear to find but only had to replace it once in 16 years. Strive to have good communication with the owner they will appreciate you having some interest in the well being of his property. Good luck!

  • Girlie Electrics says:

    Those “long bulbs” are dirt cheap.

    http://www.amazon.com/SLI-Lighting-30562-Commercial-Fluorescent/dp/B000V74JVI/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1241257079&sr=8-16

    For the plumbing, try turning the main shut-off valve up/down a touch. It’s water-hammer


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