Tenant pays first $100 of every repair
A $100 deductible on repairs is annoying but legal. It discourages frivolous requests — just document everything.
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What it actually means
This is like a health insurance deductible: you pay the first $100, landlord covers the rest.
It's legal, but make sure it doesn't apply to pre-existing issues or habitability repairs (those are the landlord's job regardless).
What it looks like in a lease
"Tenant shall pay the first $100 of any repair request during the Lease term."
What to watch for
- Whether habitability repairs are excepted
- Whether it applies to pre-existing issues
How to negotiate it
'Please except repairs for landlord-caused issues and habitability.'
When it crosses into a red flag
- Applies to habitability repairs
- No cap on frequency
Frequently asked questions
What if the issue existed at move-in?
You shouldn't pay — document pre-existing issues thoroughly.
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.
