Seattle Tenant FAQs: Who Handles What in Property Repairs?

In a city like Seattle, where renters account for a large portion of the population and properties range from historic homes to high-rise apartments, questions around repair responsibilities are common—and often confusing. Tenants want to know what’s expected of them, and landlords need clear boundaries to keep maintenance efficient and fair.

If you manage rental property in Seattle, proactively answering these frequently asked questions can prevent miscommunication and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common repair-related questions Seattle tenants ask—and how to respond in a way that sets the tone for shared responsibility.

"Who handles small maintenance issues like clogged drains or burned-out bulbs?"

In most Seattle rental agreements, minor maintenance tasks fall to the tenant—especially when they result from daily use or tenant action.

Typically tenant responsibilities include:

• Replacing light bulbs or smoke detector batteries
  
  
• Unclogging toilets and drains (unless caused by plumbing failure)
  
  
• Basic cleaning and upkeep
  
  
• Resetting breakers or GFCI outlets
  
  

However, it’s worth noting that landlords must provide functioning utilities and safe systems—so if a fixture or outlet itself is defective, the responsibility may shift back to the landlord.

"Is mold considered a tenant problem or a landlord issue?"

In Seattle, where humidity and rain are constant companions, mold concerns come up often.

• Tenants are expected to prevent surface mold by ventilating bathrooms, cleaning regularly, and reporting issues promptly.
  
  
• Landlords are responsible for resolving water intrusion, structural leaks, and any mold caused by property defects.
  
  

A written mold policy is essential—it helps define expectations and encourages tenants to act early before mold becomes a bigger issue.

"What happens if an appliance breaks?"

If appliances (e.g., refrigerator, stove, dishwasher) were provided as part of the rental, the landlord is typically responsible for repairing or replacing them unless the damage was caused by misuse.

Clear documentation at move-in—including appliance condition and usage instructions—can help prevent disputes down the line.

"The heat isn’t working—who do I call?"

Landlords are legally required to ensure that heating systems are safe and functional, especially during Seattle’s long, wet winters. A broken heater or furnace is considered an urgent issue and must be addressed promptly.

Encourage tenants to report these issues right away, and have a process in place to confirm and schedule repairs quickly.

"Do I need to handle yard care or snow removal?"

Seattle’s mild winters and rainy seasons mean yard maintenance is more about upkeep than snow shoveling, but responsibilities should be clearly stated.

If the tenant is responsible:

• Make sure tools (e.g., lawn mower, hose) are available or allowed
  
  
• Clarify expectations for lawn care frequency
  
  

For multi-unit properties, yard and exterior upkeep are usually landlord-managed or handled by a property service.

"There’s a leak—what do I do?"

Leaks—whether under a sink, from the ceiling, or around a window—require swift attention to prevent water damage and mold.

Tenants should be instructed to:

• Report leaks immediately
  
  
• Shut off water valves if possible
  
  
• Avoid attempting major repairs themselves
  
  

As a landlord, always treat leak reports as a priority. Having a trusted handyman or plumbing contact ready can save time and mitigate damage.

"Am I allowed to fix things myself and deduct it from rent?"

In Washington State, tenants may have limited rights to make repairs and deduct costs—but only under very specific conditions.

• The issue must be legally the landlord’s responsibility
  
  
• The tenant must give written notice and reasonable time to respond
  
  
• There are cost limits and process requirements
  
  

Generally, it’s better to encourage open communication and avoid this route. Most tenants prefer you handle repairs professionally.

"What about repairs caused by my guests or kids?"

If damage is caused by tenant actions—either directly or by guests—the tenant is typically responsible for the cost of repair.

This includes:

• Holes in walls
  
  
• Broken windows or fixtures
  
  
• Stained carpets or water damage from negligence
  
  

Make sure your lease clearly outlines these scenarios and document move-in condition carefully.

"Can I be charged for pest control?"

In most cases, pest control is the landlord’s responsibility unless the issue stems from tenant behavior (e.g., leaving food out, poor cleaning habits).

That said, it’s wise to:

• Schedule seasonal pest treatments to stay ahead
  
  
• Educate tenants on how to prevent infestations
  
  
• Clarify in writing who handles what if pests show up
  
  

Keep Repairs Fair and Clear

The more proactive you are in answering these FAQs, the smoother your tenant relationships will be. Consider adding a repair responsibility guide to your move-in packet, outlining what tenants can expect and how to report issues.

RentalRiff works with Seattle landlords to handle both routine and on-call maintenance—ensuring that repairs get done efficiently, fairly, and without the headaches of confusion or miscommunication.

Transparency Builds Trust

Seattle renters are savvy, and many have rented in other cities or states. A clear, professional approach to repairs and maintenance responsibilities helps them feel secure—and helps you avoid unnecessary disputes.

Whether you manage one unit or several, aligning expectations around repairs is a smart investment in smoother tenancies and stronger landlord-tenant relationships.