Are tenants responsible for lightbulb replacement?
Generally, yes. In most rental agreements, tenants are responsible for replacing standard lightbulbs during their tenancy. This falls under basic, everyday upkeep, much like keeping the property clean or changing the batteries in smoke alarms. For traditional bulbs, this is straightforward, but what happens if the property has LED light fixtures?
LED light fixtures vs. standard bulbs
LED fixtures are often integrated, meaning the bulb and fitting are part of the same unit. Unlike standard bulbs, which tenants can easily replace, LED fixtures often require the help of an electrician because they are harder to access or are designed as complete units.
When an electrician Is needed, it’s usually the landlord’s responsibility
If replacing an LED lightbulb means calling an electrician to change the entire fitting, the responsibility typically shifts to the landlord. This level of work goes beyond what would be considered routine tenant maintenance, as it involves a fixture repair or replacement rather than simply changing a bulb.
Other articles you might be interested in:
Maintenance and Repairs: who's responsible?
What is normal wear and tear?
Who is responsible for pool maintenance?
Who pays for water charges in a tenancy?
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