| One of the most common problems among | | | | will be the tenants who will be held accountable |
| landlords and tenants is the issue on who is | | | | for the reparation. |
| responsible for the repairs when any damages | | | | There are several steps that need to be followed |
| occur or are already present. Therefore it is | | | | if the landlord fails to act in concurrence with the |
| important before signing a lease agreement that it | | | | law. The first step is to issue a notice, which |
| is clearly defined on who will take charge of the | | | | would include details on what needs to be repaired |
| repair and maintenance of a rented property. | | | | and the time frame which the tenant would want |
| The Housing Act has prescribed minimum | | | | to have it done. The tenant must keep a copy of |
| standards of living conditions which the landlord | | | | this letter for future reference. |
| needs to meet before he can go into the process | | | | In cases when the landlord does not respond |
| of having his or her property rented. The landlord | | | | positively to the form that was issued, the tenant |
| is responsible for maintenance of the rental | | | | can pursue three statutory remedies as follows: |
| premises and for provision of basic amenities such | | | | The tenant can terminate the lease through |
| as the water supply and electricity to the tenants. | | | | issuance of proper notice to the landlord |
| He or she should also abide by the regulations of | | | | -Engage outside contractors to undertake the |
| the lease form to keep the premises clean and | | | | repair. |
| habitable. And if, in any case, the landlord violates | | | | -The costs may be deducted from the next |
| his obligation the tenant can intervene in several | | | | month's rent, or the rent can be withheld until |
| ways to fight for the rights that he is entitled to. | | | | after the repair is completed. |
| However, if damage to a property was caused | | | | -File a lawsuit against the landlord in court. |
| by the tenant themselves, their family, or pets, it | | | | |