Window screens might seem like a small thing, but they play a big role in making a place feel like home. They keep the bugs out, let the breeze in, and add a layer of comfort that most people don’t notice — until something goes wrong. So, how often must landlords repair damaged window screens?
This guide will help you determine when it’s the landlord’s responsibility to fix them and when it might fall to the tenant. We’ll also look at who pays for the repairs and what the law says about it. Read on — it’s more straightforward than you think.
Main Takeaways
How often must landlords repair damaged window screens?
- Landlords usually repair window screens at move-in, during seasonal maintenance, or upon a tenant’s request.
- Local laws, lease terms, and whether the issue impacts habitability will determine how long the landlord has to fix a window screen. However, typically, they have 7-14 days to address the problem.
How Often Must Landlords Repair Damaged Window Screens?
Let’s get right into it.
From our experience as part of property management companies in Washington, D.C., this is one of those questions that comes up more often than you’d expect. It’s a small detail, but it really helps create clarity between landlords and tenants.
Now, here’s the thing — how often landlords must repair window screens depends on what’s written in the lease. Some leases are detailed, while others don’t mention screens at all. That said, here are a few general practices most landlords follow:
- At the start of a lease: Landlords typically provide screens in good condition before a tenant moves in.
- During routine maintenance: Many landlords or property managers inspect and replace damaged screens once or twice a year, usually in spring and early fall. These seasons are ideal because people open windows more often, and screens help keep bugs out.
- Upon tenant request: If a screen gets torn during the lease term, landlords typically have to handle the repair within 7 to 14 days of being notified. Of course, this can vary by the landlord’s location’s laws and whether the issue impact’s the home’s habitability. Meanwhile, if the tenant caused the damage, they may be responsible for covering the cost — more on that below.
Lease Agreements: What Do They Say?
Lease agreements usually don’t mention window screens directly. However, they often include broader clauses about maintenance and habitability.
Many standard leases say that landlords are responsible for maintaining the rental unit in a “safe and habitable condition.” That includes making sure the property is protected from pests, which indirectly covers items such as torn or missing window screens.
At the same time, most leases include a section on tenant responsibilities. These typically state that tenants must avoid damaging the property and promptly report any necessary repairs. So, even if your lease doesn’t spell out “window screen repairs” word-for-word, it likely covers them under general maintenance or wear-and-tear clauses.
Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibilities
Now that we know how often repairs are expected and what leases typically say, let’s break down who handles screen damage when it happens.
Landlord Responsibilities
In most cases, landlord is responsible for fixing screens damaged by normal wear and tear. For example, screens might loosen, tear, or sag over time — that’s normal. If misuse didn’t cause the damage, landlords generally handle the repair or replacement.
Also, like we mentioned before, they’re responsible for responding to maintenance requests quickly. Once the tenant reports an issue, landlords are expected to act promptly, especially if the damage affects airflow or lets droves of pests in. Examples like those may constitute a habitability issue, and landlords generally have a very brief timeframe to address such problems (in many states, 24 hours). Either way, acting fast helps everyone avoid bigger issues.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants, on the other hand, are usually responsible for reporting damage right away. Also, they must focus on avoiding misuse or negligence. So, if a screen gets damaged during cleaning, by pets, or through improper removal, it might become the tenant’s responsibility to pay for those repairs. That said, tenants should always check their lease to be sure.
What About When You Don’t Know Who’s Responsible?
Not everything is black and white. Sometimes, it’s unclear who should pay for the repair. For instance, in older buildings, a screen may already be worn out — so is it tenant damage, or just age? In shared areas, such as stairwell windows, it’s also challenging to assign responsibility. So, looking at your local housing laws or a having an open conversation can often guide your next steps.
How to Repair a Damaged Window Screen
If you’re a dealing with a loose or torn screen, you might wonder how to go about fixing the problem. Here’s some solutions a landlord could use, or even a tenant (with a landlord’s permission, of course!)
For Small Tears
Minor damage, like a small hole, can often be patched using a basic repair kit. These are sold in hardware stores. What’s more, they include a mesh patch you can cut and stick or weave into place, so you can apply that for a quick fix.
For Bigger Repairs
Larger tears, warped frames, or fully detached screens usually need a full replacement. This involves removing the frame, inserting new mesh, and securing it with a spline and roller — a task best left to landlords or professionals.
Who Pays for Window Screen Repairs?
We touched on this point earlier, but let’s zoom in on it more definitively. It depends on how the screen got damaged.
- If it’s due to wear and tear — such as aging mesh or loose screens — the landlord usually covers the cost.
- If the tenant caused the damage — like pushing it out accidentally or a pet tearing through it — the tenant might be expected to pay.
- If it’s unclear — for example, an old screen finally giving in — the landlord typically handles it, unless the lease says otherwise.
We said it before, and we’ll say it again: always check your lease. If it’s not clear for tenants, a brief conversation with their landlord or property manager can help them resolve the issue fairly and efficiently.
Get Timely Repairs from a Reliable Source You Can Trust
Landlords usually fix window screens damaged by normal wear and tear, while tenants cover repairs if they caused the damage. Lease terms and local laws help determine who’s responsible.
A torn screen might seem minor, but it can spark bigger questions — about comfort, responsibility, and what keeps a rental running smoothly. When everyone understands their role, things work more smoothly.
That’s where we come in.
At Bay Property Management Group, we make rental management easier by handling repairs promptly, maintaining strong communication with tenants, and helping landlords build solid, protective lease agreements. If you’re a landlord looking for reliable managers for one or more properties, we’re here to help. Contact us today and create a rental experience that works for everyone.
