I’ve been a landlord for more than 16 years. During that time, I managed hundreds of tenants and studied the rules in several states. I know how to effectively manage rental properties, and I know whether or not landlords are responsible for light bulbs.
A landlord is not responsible for replacing light bulbs in a rental home. However, the landlord is usually responsible for replacing the light bulbs in common areas.
This question is fairly straightforward. In most cases, the property manager or landlord is not responsible for replacing the light bulb. However, in some circumstances, the landlord may be required to replace the light blubs.
When Should the Landlord Replace the Light Blubs?
Common Areas
In a multiple-unit building, such as a duplex or apartment complex, the landlord is responsible for replacing the light bulbs in common areas. This includes bulbs in the parking lot, laundry rooms, and staircases.
The Lease
A landlord is responsible for replacing light bulbs if the lease agreement calls for it. Check the lease terms for the final word on this topic.
Challenging Work
In many cases, it is the landlord’s responsibility to replace the light bulbs in complex fixtures. If the light fixtures are in difficult-to-reach places, on high ceilings, or require special tools, replacing them is the responsibility of the landlord.
Regardless of how challenging, when the lightbulb is in personal lighting, brought into the rental unit by the tenant, blub replacement is entirely the responsibility of the tenant.
In Appliances
When the light bulb is in a landlord-provided appliance, such as an oven, the landlord should replace the bulb.
Who Pays for Replacement Light Bulbs?
Light bulbs are consumable items; they will burn out. It is the tenant’s responsibility to pay for them. After all, they were used by the tenant and are relatively easy to replace.
In some cases, the landlord has to replace the bulb. When the landlords are responsible for light bulbs, they pay for them.
What if the Bulb in Our When the Tenant Moves in?
All the light bulbs should be functional when the tenant moves into the rental property. The property owner should make sure all bulbs work at move-in time. If any are burned out, the landlord should replace them before the new tenants move in.
At move-in, it’s good practice for the renters to check every light bulb. If any are not operational, they should address it with the landlord before moving in.
Can a Landlord Charge Replace Light Bulbs?
In cases where the landlord is responsible for replacing the light bulb, they should never charge the tenant.
If the tenant is responsible for replacing the bulb, the landlord should not replace it. An exception is when the burned-out light bulb presents a safety hazard. In that case, the landlord may replace the bulb and charge the tenant for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose responsibility is it to replace light bulbs?
Tenants. In most cases, the tenant is responsible for replacing light bulbs in their rental unit.
Do you change your own light bulbs in an apartment?
Yes. Generally, the tenant will change their own light bulbs at an apartment. However, some apartments offer this service, which will be stipulated in the lease agreement.
Do I have to replace lightbulbs when I move out?
No. Lightbulbs are considered normal wear and tear and do not have to be replaced when moving out. However, the light bulbs should not be taken; leave them in the fixtures.
