Tenant must use landlord's contractor for repairs
Requiring their contractor protects quality but may cost more. Ask for competitive bids or approval of your own licensed contractor.
Is this clause in your lease?
Upload your lease and we'll flag this clause (and every other red flag) in 30 seconds — free.
What it actually means
Landlords want control over who works on their property. That's reasonable — but their contractor may charge premium rates.
You should be able to get quotes and choose, or at least confirm the landlord's contractor is competitively priced.
What it looks like in a lease
"All repairs requiring professional service must be performed by Landlord's designated contractor."
What to watch for
- Whether tenant can get quotes
- Markup on contractor rates
How to negotiate it
'I'd like the option to use a licensed contractor of my choice with landlord approval.'
When it crosses into a red flag
- No alternative allowed
- Landlord's contractor charges 2x market rate
Frequently asked questions
What if I hire my own?
You may void warranty coverage or violate the lease. Get written approval first.
Related clauses
General information, not legal advice. Clauses are interpreted differently across states and courts. For a binding interpretation of your specific lease, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
