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Maintenance, defects & expense allocation

Standard Defect

A non-critical defect that affects comfort without rendering the apartment unusable, requiring repair within 30 days.

Standard defects include broken air conditioners outside periods of extreme heat, jammed kitchen cabinets, minor cosmetic shower cracks, windows that do not seal properly, stuck shutters, or mild sewage odors in the bathroom. These issues affect living quality but do not render the apartment unlivable.

Landlords must address standard defects within 30 days of receiving written notice from the tenant. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, the tenant may arrange the repair and recover the cost. Unlike urgent defects, tenants must wait at least 30 days before undertaking repairs themselves, unless the landlord explicitly refuses to fix the issue.

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The information in this glossary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In the event of a dispute or a specific legal question, consult an attorney specializing in tenancy law.

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