My Boiler Doesn’t Work. Should I Talk to my Landlord About the Issue?

Q: The apartment I am currently renting has a broken boiler. Is it my job to have it repaired or should I ask my landlord to fix it?

A: You should bring any issues regarding your apartment to the attention of the landlord, because most of the time it is their responsibility to fix them.

Sometimes, landlords will say, “you handle the problem, send me the receipt, and I will refund you.” This may be convenient for you if your landlord lives far way.

It is easy as a tenant to think that you must fix the problems that arise in your apartment, but many issues are meant to be handled by your landlord. Let me elaborate.

If the ceiling is leaking, who would be responsible for the repairs?

The landlord! Technically speaking, the apartment that caused the damage (usually the upstairs neighbor) is responsible for that. However, your landlord is responsible for talking to your neighbors.

That’s why you should always bring any damages to the attention of your landlord.

If your downstairs neighbor finds a leak coming from your apartment, who would be responsible for the repair?

If their ceiling is leaking because you let your water run for hours, then you would be responsible for the repairs. On the other hand, if the source of the problem came from a broken pipe, the landlord should take care of it.

What about this?

If you want to install a keypad into your door, who would have to pay for that? (도어락 – Koreans usually don’t use metal keys and instead most homes require a password to enter)

You should pay for it. Even if you leave the hardware on the door after moving out, you cannot expect the landlord to reimburse you.

What about a light bulb?

If you need a new light bulb, you will have to get a new one for yourself.

However, if it is an LED light, you better discuss it with your landlord. When it comes to LED lights, if one burns out, the whole set must be replaced. Some landlords will understand the situation and help, but others would insist that he or she is not responsible for covering a new set.