Question:
Hi Rabbi,
Who is responsible for fixing a broken door handle in a rented apartment – the landlord or the tenant? Does it make a difference if it’s not clear why it broke?
Answer:
Hello,
It depends why it broke. If it is because it was old, then it is on the landlord, however if it was broken because the tenant’s children were hanging on it, or some other type of misuse then it is on the tenant. If it is not clear, the minhag is that by small things, such as this, the tenant pays for it.
Best wishes
