The water pump stops working.

The tenant calls the landlord.

Tenant: “The pump needs replacing.”

Landlord: “You’re living in the house. You should replace it.”

A few months later, an air conditioner stops cooling.

Again:

Tenant: “The AC belongs to the house.”

Landlord: “It was working when you moved in.”

Then seepage appears on a bedroom wall.

A kitchen tap starts leaking.

The electricity bill arrives.

The building increases its maintenance charges.

And eventually both sides are asking the same question:

Who is responsible for paying for this?

Many landlord-tenant disputes in Pakistan do not begin because either party intends to behave unfairly.

They begin because responsibilities were never clearly discussed.

The landlord assumes one thing.

The tenant assumes another.

The tenancy agreement says very little.

Then something goes wrong.

This Gharazi guide explains the practical issues landlords and tenants should discuss before—and during—a tenancy so that both sides know what they are responsible for.

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First: There Is No One Answer for Every Tenancy in Pakistan

Pakistan does not have one identical rental framework that applies in exactly the same way to every property everywhere.

Landlord-tenant laws and procedures can vary by:

• Province
• Territory
• Jurisdiction
• Property type
• Nature of tenancy
• Individual circumstances

The tenancy agreement itself is also important.

So this article should not be read as declaring that one party is legally responsible for every example below in every situation.

Instead, use it as a practical framework for asking:

What should we agree before this becomes a dispute?

For questions about specific legal rights or obligations, check the law applicable to the property’s location and obtain qualified legal advice where necessary.

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The Basic Principle: Separate Ownership Problems From Usage Problems

A useful starting point is to distinguish between two broad categories.

Property or Ownership-Related Problems

These may include major issues with:

• Structure
• Roof
• Main plumbing
• Main electrical systems
• Built-in systems
• Existing defects

These often concern the property itself.

Tenant-Use Problems

These may include:

• Damage caused by misuse
• Broken items due to negligence
• Unauthorized alterations
• Damage beyond reasonable everyday use

These concern how the property has been treated.

But real situations are rarely perfectly simple.

A blocked drain might result from an old plumbing problem—or inappropriate items being put down it.

An air conditioner might fail because it is 15 years old—or because it was damaged.

That is why documentation and communication matter.

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1. Paying the Rent

Let’s begin with the most obvious responsibility.

The tenant should understand:

• Monthly rent
• Due date
• Payment method
• Recipient
• Late-payment consequences where applicable

For example:

Monthly rent: PKR 100,000

Due: By the 5th of each month

Payment: Bank transfer to the agreed account

This is much clearer than:

“Rent mahine ke start mein de dena.”

Both sides should maintain payment records.

A landlord should not have to repeatedly chase rent.

A tenant should not later have to prove a payment that was never documented.

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2. Providing the Property as Agreed

If the landlord agrees to rent:

House X

with:

• Three installed air conditioners
• Functional water pump
• Curtains
• Working geysers
• Two-car parking

then the tenant should receive the property in the agreed condition, subject to whatever terms both sides have accepted.

This is why an inventory and move-in condition record are useful.

Without one, both parties may remember the handover differently.

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3. Security Deposit

The tenant typically pays an agreed security deposit where applicable.

But the landlord should not treat the deposit as automatic extra income.

Both parties should understand:

• Amount
• Purpose
• Circumstances for deductions
• Settlement process
• Return timing

If the landlord believes deductions are justified at the end of the tenancy, those deductions should be explainable.

If the tenant expects the full amount back, they should also return the property according to the agreed conditions.

Clarity protects both sides.

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4. Advance Rent

Advance rent should be clearly distinguished from the security deposit.

If a tenant pays:

PKR 200,000 security deposit

and

PKR 100,000 advance rent

the documentation should make that distinction.

Otherwise, a dispute may later arise over whether money was:

• Refundable security
• Rent already consumed
• A booking amount
• Something else

Never combine different payments into an unexplained figure.

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5. Electricity Bills

For a separately metered rental property, electricity consumed during the tenancy would ordinarily be an expense the parties should clearly allocate to the tenant.

But complications arise when:

• Previous bills are unpaid
• The meter is shared
• Solar systems exist
• Generator charges apply
• Building backup power is separately charged

Before moving in:

Record the meter reading.

Clarify previous outstanding bills.

Understand any additional electricity arrangements.

The tenant should know exactly where their consumption begins.

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6. Gas Bills

The same principle applies to gas.

Clarify:

• Meter
• Previous balance
• Shared arrangements
• Alternative fuel systems

For shared portions, do not wait until the first bill arrives to ask:

“How do we divide this?”

Agree beforehand.

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7. Water Charges

Water arrangements vary considerably.

A property may use:

• Municipal/society supply
• Groundwater
• Tankers
• Building supply
• A combination

Ask:

Is water included in rent?

Is there a separate charge?

Who pays for tankers?

Who pays society water charges?

Who pays if the pump fails?

Water should be discussed before it becomes a problem.

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8. Apartment Service Charges

This is a common source of confusion.

An apartment may have monthly charges covering:

• Security
• Lifts
• Cleaning
• Common electricity
• Generator
• Facilities
• Building maintenance

Who pays?

The tenant?

Landlord?

Some costs split between them?

There is no reason to leave this unclear.

The tenancy agreement should specify how applicable charges are handled.

A tenant evaluating a PKR 100,000 apartment needs to know if another PKR 25,000 per month will be payable separately.

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9. Small Routine Repairs

Every property needs minor maintenance.

Examples include:

• Loose door handle
• Small tap issue
• Light fitting
• Minor blockage
• Simple adjustment

Landlords and tenants often have different expectations about these items.

Some agreements allocate minor routine maintenance to the tenant up to an agreed threshold.

Others handle repairs differently.

Whatever the arrangement, define it.

A clause such as:

“All maintenance is tenant responsibility”

can be too broad to prevent disagreement.

Specificity is more useful.

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10. Major Plumbing Problems

Suppose a pipe inside the wall bursts.

The tenant did nothing to cause it.

Water damages the room.

This is very different from a tenant damaging a visible fitting through misuse.

When major plumbing infrastructure fails because of age, condition or an existing property defect, the issue relates more closely to the underlying property.

The agreement should address major repairs appropriately, subject to applicable law.

The tenant should also report serious leaks promptly.

Ignoring a leak for two months can turn a repair into major property damage.

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11. Seepage and Roof Leakage

Seepage can become one of the most frustrating rental problems.

It may result from:

• Roof waterproofing
• External walls
• Plumbing
• Bathrooms
• Neighbouring property
• Water tanks

A tenant generally cannot solve major structural waterproofing simply by repainting a wall.

The cause should be identified.

But tenants also have a responsibility to report serious problems early.

A good process is:

Tenant notices problem → documents it → informs landlord promptly → landlord investigates → responsibility determined based on cause and agreement.

Not:

Ignore it for six months → entire wall is damaged → argument begins.

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12. Electrical System Problems

Distinguish between:

Underlying electrical infrastructure

and

damage caused during occupancy.

For example:

Old wiring that fails is different from a socket damaged through misuse.

Electrical problems can also create safety risks.

Serious issues should be reported promptly and handled by appropriate professionals.

Neither landlord nor tenant should improvise dangerous electrical repairs merely to save money.

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13. Water Pump

The water pump fails.

Who pays?

Ask first:

Why did it fail?

Was it:

• Old equipment reaching the end of its life?
• An existing defect?
• Electrical failure?
• Damage caused by misuse?

The answer can influence responsibility.

If pumps are supplied as part of the property, the tenancy agreement can clarify how major equipment failures will be handled.

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14. Air Conditioners

Air conditioners cause frequent disputes because they may belong to:

• Landlord
• Tenant
• Previous occupant

First, establish ownership.

If the landlord provides the ACs, the agreement should ideally clarify:

• Who handles routine servicing
• Who pays for gas/refill
• Who handles major component failure
• What happens if damage results from misuse

A 12-year-old compressor failing naturally is not the same situation as physical damage caused by a tenant.

Again:

Cause matters.

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15. Geysers and Water Heaters

The same framework can apply.

If the landlord provides a geyser:

• Was it working at handover?
• Who handles routine maintenance?
• What happens if it fails due to age?
• What happens if the tenant damages it?

Include landlord-provided equipment in the inventory.

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16. Appliances in Furnished Properties

Furnished properties require stronger documentation.

Suppose the landlord provides:

• Refrigerator
• Washing machine
• Oven
• Microwave
• Television

Record:

• Item
• Condition
• Existing damage

Where useful, even record model or identifying details.

Then clarify maintenance responsibilities.

A furnished tenancy without an inventory is an invitation to disagreement.

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17. Broken Windows and Doors

Again, ask:

Why did it break?

If a door deteriorates due to age, that differs from physical damage caused by the occupant.

A tenant should not automatically be responsible for every item that fails during the tenancy.

Similarly, a landlord should not automatically be expected to pay for every item damaged by a tenant.

Fair responsibility begins with understanding cause.

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18. Paint

Paint creates disputes when tenants leave.

After several years, some deterioration is expected.

But significant damage, unauthorized colours or excessive markings may create a different situation.

Agree beforehand:

• Can the tenant repaint?
• Is landlord permission required?
• Must original colours be restored?
• What condition is expected on handover?

Most importantly:

Photograph the walls before moving in.

Then both sides know the starting point.

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19. Nails, Drilling and Wall Mounting

Modern homes often involve:

• TVs
• Shelves
• Artwork
• Curtains
• Furniture anchoring

Some landlords are relaxed about drilling.

Others are not.

Ask before making major wall modifications.

For expensive finishes, tiles or specialized walls, permission becomes especially important.

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20. Pest Problems

Cockroaches.

Termites.

Rodents.

Bedbugs.

Who pays?

Again, timing and cause matter.

If a major termite problem clearly existed before the tenancy, that differs from a pest problem developing because food waste is consistently mishandled.

Document obvious issues during move-in.

If a serious pest problem appears shortly afterwards, notify the landlord promptly.

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21. Garden Maintenance

If you rent a house with a garden, ask:

Who maintains it?

The tenant?

Landlord?

A gardener included with the property?

Who pays the gardener?

What about major tree work?

Do not assume a garden takes care of itself.

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22. Solar Systems

Solar installations introduce another layer of responsibility.

Clarify:

• Who owns the system
• Whether it is included
• How electricity savings/net arrangements are handled
• Who cleans panels
• Who maintains inverter/batteries
• Who handles major equipment failure

The more expensive the equipment, the more useful clear documentation becomes.

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23. Generator and Backup Systems

For houses or apartment buildings with backup power, clarify:

• Fuel costs
• Maintenance
• Service charges
• Operating responsibility
• Repair responsibility

A listing saying:

“Generator available”

does not tell you what it will cost or who maintains it.

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24. Structural Repairs

Major structural issues deserve professional attention.

Examples might involve:

• Serious cracks
• Roof problems
• Foundation concerns
• Significant waterproofing
• Major building systems

These should not be treated as ordinary tenant maintenance without carefully considering the cause, agreement and applicable law.

If there is a potential safety issue, professional assessment should take priority over arguing about the bill.

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25. Damage Caused by the Tenant

Tenants have responsibilities too.

Suppose a tenant:

• Breaks a door
• Damages flooring
• Destroys fixtures
• Makes unauthorized alterations
• Causes damage through negligence

The landlord may have legitimate grounds to seek repair or compensation subject to the agreement and applicable law.

Renting a property does not mean treating it carelessly.

A good tenant should use the property reasonably and report problems.

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26. Damage Caused by Guests, Children or Staff

A tenant may say:

“I didn’t damage it—my guest did.”

From the landlord’s perspective, that may not resolve the issue.

Tenants should understand their responsibilities regarding people they allow into or employ at the property, subject to the tenancy agreement and applicable law.

This can include:

• Family
• Guests
• Domestic staff
• Contractors

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27. Normal Wear and Tear vs Damage

This distinction is important.

A property that has been occupied for several years will not look exactly as it did on day one.

Some deterioration can occur through ordinary use.

But normal aging is different from substantial damage.

Disputes arise because both concepts are subjective.

The best protection is:

Move-in photographs + inventory + clear agreement + reasonable expectations.

Without evidence, both sides may genuinely remember the starting condition differently.

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28. Property Inspection During the Tenancy

Landlords have an interest in protecting their property.

Tenants have an interest in privacy and peaceful occupation.

Both interests need to be respected according to the agreement and applicable law.

A landlord should not assume they can simply appear whenever they want.

A tenant should not necessarily prevent every reasonable inspection.

Agree on a sensible process for:

• Notice
• Timing
• Frequency
• Emergency access

Clear boundaries make the relationship easier.

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29. Emergency Access

Some situations cannot wait.

For example:

• Major water leak
• Fire
• Gas issue
• Serious electrical hazard

The tenancy should be managed with enough communication that both sides know whom to contact during an emergency.

Keep current:

• Landlord contact
• Tenant contact
• Building management contact
• Maintenance contact where relevant

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30. Society and Building Rules

A landlord may say:

“I don’t mind.”

But the society or building might.

Rules may cover:

• Parking
• Pets
• Visitors
• Commercial activity
• Renovation
• Moving hours
• Noise
• Use of common areas

The tenant should understand applicable rules.

The landlord should not promise permissions they cannot actually grant.

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31. Parking

If parking is part of the rental arrangement, document what the tenant receives.

For example:

One dedicated basement parking space: B-27

is much clearer than:

“Parking available.”

In houses, clarify whether parking areas are shared between portions.

Parking disputes can become surprisingly serious.

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32. Rent Increases

The landlord may expect rent to increase.

The tenant may expect it to remain unchanged.

Neither side should rely on assumptions.

The tenancy agreement should address:

• Duration
• Renewal
• Applicable increase arrangements

And both parties should consider applicable local law.

A surprise rent increase can destroy an otherwise good landlord-tenant relationship.

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33. Renewal of the Tenancy

As the tenancy approaches its end, both sides should communicate early.

The landlord should decide:

Do I want to renew?

The tenant should decide:

Do I want to stay?

Then discuss:

• New rent
• Duration
• Updated terms
• Deposit treatment
• Any required repairs

Do not wait until the final week if the decision can reasonably be made earlier.

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34. Notice Period

Both parties should understand the agreed process for ending the tenancy.

Questions include:

• How much notice is required?
• Must notice be written?
• What happens if the tenant leaves early?
• What happens if the landlord requires possession?
• How does this affect advance rent or deposit?

Applicable legal requirements may also apply.

Do not assume a WhatsApp message saying:

“I’m leaving next week”

automatically resolves every obligation.

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35. Showing the Property to New Tenants

Near the end of a tenancy, a landlord may want to show the property to prospective tenants.

The existing tenant still lives there.

Agree on a reasonable process.

For example:

• Advance notice
• Reasonable hours
• Mutually convenient visits

A landlord should not turn an occupied home into an open house without consideration for the tenant.

A tenant should also reasonably cooperate with agreed arrangements where appropriate.

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36. Final Utility Bills

Before leaving, both sides should clarify:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Service charges
• Other applicable bills

Record final meter readings.

Where final bills arrive later, establish how settlement will work.

This is often why some security-deposit settlement may require a defined process rather than an immediate unexplained deduction.

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37. Returning the Keys

The handover should be clear.

Record:

• Date
• Number of keys
• Access cards
• Remote controls
• Parking cards

Once possession is returned, both sides should know that the handover has occurred.

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38. Returning the Security Deposit

This is where many good tenancies end badly.

The tenant expects:

Full deposit immediately.

The landlord says:

“I need to check everything.”

Avoid this conflict by agreeing on the process at the beginning.

At move-out:

1. Inspect the property.
2. Compare against the move-in condition.
3. Identify genuine issues.
4. Settle relevant bills.
5. Document agreed deductions where applicable.
6. Return the remaining deposit according to the agreed and legally applicable process.

Transparency matters.

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What Landlords Should Avoid

A good landlord should avoid practices such as:

Entering Without Reasonable Regard for the Tenant

The property belongs to the landlord.

During the tenancy, it is also the tenant’s home.

Ignoring Major Property Problems

Seepage does not disappear because nobody replies to the WhatsApp message.

Keeping Deposits Without Explanation

If deductions are justified, explain them.

Changing Agreed Terms Informally

Important changes should be handled appropriately.

Hiding Known Problems Before Renting

A short-term rental may be achieved.

A long-term dispute may follow.

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What Tenants Should Avoid

A good tenant should avoid:

Paying Rent Late Repeatedly

Landlords have financial obligations too.

Ignoring Property Damage

Small problems can become expensive.

Making Unauthorized Alterations

Ask before changing the property significantly.

Treating the Security Deposit as the Final Months’ Rent

Do not assume this is permitted unless properly agreed.

Leaving Without Proper Notice

Follow the agreement and applicable requirements.

Hiding Damage

Communicate early.

Problems are easier to resolve before moving day.

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The Gharazi Responsibility Matrix

The following is a discussion framework, not a universal statement of legal liability.

Issue	Key Question
Monthly rent	What amount/date/method was agreed?
Electricity/gas use	Who consumed it and what does the agreement say?
Previous utility dues	When did the liability arise?
Service charges	How does the agreement allocate them?
Small repairs	What maintenance arrangement was agreed?
Major plumbing	What caused the failure?
Roof/seepage	Is it an underlying property problem or tenant-caused damage?
Electrical failure	Infrastructure failure or misuse?
AC/geyser	Who owns it and why did it fail?
Broken fixtures	Age, ordinary use or damage?
Painting	Normal deterioration or excessive damage/change?
Appliances	What does the inventory say?
Garden	What maintenance arrangement was agreed?
Security deposit	What deductions and return process were agreed?

Notice how often the answer depends on:

Cause + Agreement + Evidence + Applicable Law

That is the core framework.

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The Three Questions to Ask Whenever Something Breaks

Instead of immediately arguing about who pays, ask:

1. Who Owns It?

Tenant’s appliance?

Landlord’s fixture?

Part of the building?

2. Why Did It Fail?

Age?

Normal use?

Existing defect?

Negligence?

Accidental damage?

3. What Did We Agree?

Check the tenancy agreement, inventory and applicable legal requirements.

These three questions can resolve many disputes before they become personal.

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The Best Time to Decide Who Pays for Repairs Is Before Anything Breaks

When signing a tenancy agreement, nobody wants to spend an hour discussing broken pumps.

The house looks perfect.

Everything works.

Both sides are optimistic.

But that is precisely when these conversations are easiest.

Discuss:

• Routine maintenance
• Major repairs
• Landlord-supplied appliances
• Water systems
• Air conditioners
• Structural issues
• Emergency repairs

It may feel unnecessary.

Until the first major repair arrives.

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A Better Move-In Process Protects Both Sides

Before the tenant moves in, landlord and tenant should ideally work through a simple handover process.

Step 1 — Inspect Together

Walk through the property.

Step 2 — Record Existing Condition

Photographs or video.

Step 3 — Create an Inventory

Especially for furnished properties.

Step 4 — Record Meter Readings

Electricity, gas and water where applicable.

Step 5 — Identify Existing Problems

List them.

Step 6 — Agree Outstanding Repairs

Who will fix what and when?

Step 7 — Exchange Necessary Contact Information

For normal and emergency communication.

A 30-minute handover can prevent months of future disagreement.

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The Gharazi Landlord Checklist

Before handing over the property:

• Tenancy agreement is clear.
• Rent and payment date are documented.
• Deposit amount is documented.
• Advance rent is separately documented.
• Maintenance responsibilities are discussed.
• Property condition is recorded.
• Inventory is prepared where relevant.
• Existing defects are disclosed.
• Meter readings are recorded.
• Included fixtures are identified.
• Service charges are clarified.
• Notice requirements are understood.
• Deposit-return process is understood.
• Tenant has appropriate contact details.

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The Gharazi Tenant Checklist

Before accepting possession:

• I have read the tenancy agreement.
• I know the monthly rent.
• I know when rent is due.
• I understand the deposit.
• I understand advance rent.
• I understand maintenance responsibilities.
• I know who handles major repairs.
• I know who handles routine maintenance.
• I understand utility payments.
• I understand service charges.
• Property condition has been documented.
• Inventory has been recorded where relevant.
• Meter readings have been recorded.
• I understand the notice period.
• I understand the deposit-return process.
• I know whom to contact when something goes wrong.

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Good Landlords and Good Tenants Want the Same Thing

It is easy to think of renting as a conflict.

Landlord wants money.

Tenant wants the property.

But good landlords and good tenants actually share many goals.

Both want:

Rent paid on time.

Property maintained.

Problems communicated early.

No unnecessary disputes.

Clear expectations.

A smooth handover at the end.

The landlord-tenant relationship works best when neither side has to guess what the other expects.

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Don’t Wait for Something to Break Before Defining Responsibility

A tenancy agreement cannot predict every possible problem.

Life is too complicated.

But it can establish principles.

And a good handover can establish evidence.

When something eventually goes wrong, begin with:

What happened?

Not:

Whose fault is this?

Determine the cause.

Check the agreement.

Look at the original condition.

Communicate.

Then resolve the issue according to the circumstances and applicable law.

At Gharazi, we believe better property relationships begin with better information.

That applies before buying.

Before selling.

Before renting.

And throughout the tenancy.

Because the best rental experience isn’t one where nothing ever breaks.

It is one where both landlord and tenant know what happens when it does.

Gharazi — Find Better. Rent Better. Live Better.

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Continue the Gharazi Rental Guide

The Complete Guide to Renting a House in Pakistan
The complete rental journey from property search to moving out.

What to Check Before Renting a House or Apartment in Pakistan
A practical property inspection guide before committing.

Never Pay a Rental Advance Before Checking These Things
Understand the landlord, deposit, advance, bills and agreement before paying.

Tenant vs Landlord in Pakistan: Who Is Responsible for What?
A practical framework for rent, repairs, utilities, maintenance, damage and deposits.

Next Guide

A Landlord’s Guide to Finding Better Tenants in Pakistan

Next, we’ll switch perspective and help property owners answer a different question:

How do you find a reliable tenant without turning the process into an interrogation?

We’ll cover creating the rental listing, pricing the property, screening inquiries, tenant information, property visits, references where appropriate, deposits, tenancy agreements, inventories, handover and building a professional landlord-tenant relationship from day one.

This article provides general educational information and does not constitute legal advice or a definitive statement of landlord or tenant liability. Rental laws, rent regulations, tenancy documentation, maintenance obligations, deposit treatment, eviction procedures and other rights and responsibilities vary by province and jurisdiction within Pakistan and may change over time. The tenancy agreement and facts of each situation also matter. Landlords and tenants should verify applicable local requirements and seek qualified legal advice for specific disputes or significant issues.