What are a landlord's responsibilities?

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I moved into a new apartment last week. It's an older building, but the super told me it had just been 'updated.' Anyway, it has a remodelled bathroom (new fixtures and wall/floor coverings), and a remodelled kitchen (same as bath). Well, after being here a couple of days I realized that there were no towel bars, TP holder, or bathtub soap dish in the bathroom. I called the super to ask if they forgot, and he said NO, that's the tenant's responsibility if they want that stuff. I also noticed that the new sink in the kitchen was missing drainer strains to plug up the sink. I got the same answer from him on this as I did for the bathroom question.

This is really rubbing me the wrong way. I've lived in at least ten apartments and have NEVER had a LL say that this sort of expense is the responsibility of the tenant. My rule of thumb has always been that if it is a capital improvement, meaning it can be written off at tax time, then it's the LL's responsibility. Also, if I do install my own hardware, what happens if I screw up and damage the room? I'm starting to think I made a mistake by moving here, maybe I should keep looking and blow this place off. Am I wrong?
 
Well I suppose if the room was build without a towel bar and Tp holder, you need to buy them and take them when you go. Drain strainer is nothing, just buy one. I don't think he has to supply them? Those are little things. I changed all my light fixtures for new ones. They go when I go, as I gave the old ones to the landlord. Remodeled is a plus. I would say save complaints for something big.
 
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couple of days I realized that there were no.....TP holder




Maybe check your diet.

As an related comment - there is probably no requirement for this stuff. But wow - that is cheap a~~. A day's rent profit would easily pay for this stuff (if he's not in over his head). That plus your now pi~~ed at him feelings (angry downtrodden tenant) would be worth the $20.

Yeah the sink screen doesn't come wif.

Make sure you buy the largest roll holder you can find that requires a hole in the drywall. Then take it wif you.

Just kidding.
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I don't necessarily think it was done with cheap, at least totally, in mind. The bathroom is often a customized environment ..especially if a woman is involved. The seat may be changed ..etc..etc. There are also stand alone towel and tp fixtures ..etc.

Now the lack of the drain stopper? That was purely an economy move. Obviously everyone took it with them.

The only thing I would look out for is any clause that doesn't allow you to attach YOUR fixtures to the walls ..etc. It would be a nice snag at getting a security deposit back. Typically anything like that is usually not something to keep a security deposit for. Anything that paint and putty can cover is considered normal (nail holes from pictures ..etc.).
 
if I do install my own hardware, what happens if I screw up and damage the room?

If a tenant installs something on the wall it becomes the property of the landlord. Removing same you would incur responsibilty to pay to repair the wall. Before you do it get written permission from the LL to modify the premise. Read your lease carefully.
 
The lease you signed very likely has the statement that you accept the premises as is. Its being a cheap skate LL to not put in normal hardware and hes setting himself up for future disagreements. I never wanted my tenants doing that kind of work, for two reasons, sloppy work and at move out they don't understand tenant improvements become the property of the LL/owner. I always provided hardware in the bathrooms and kitchen and even curtain rods and travis rods and miniblinds. I would charge the tenant for damage on move out.
 
walk to walmart and buy the towel bar and the other stuff, and spend five minutes installing with your cordless screwdriver.

Simple problem. 20 bucks total.
 
Well, I didn't mention it but I also paid $140 to have AT&T install a phone jack in the bedroom because the one there didn't work. I guess I just see some indications that maybe I should take a stand rather than roll over.
 
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