In a residential lease, the maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the leased premises in a livable (habitable) and safe condition are generally the responsibility of the landlord—unless damages are caused by the negligence or intentional conduct of the tenant or the tenant’s guests. In that case the landlord will likely maintain the right to make the repairs and charge the tenant for the repairs, and not allow the tenant or the tenant’s contractors to make the repairs.

The written lease agreement should address the responsibility for maintenance and repairs and will often prohibit or limit the tenant’s ability to do any maintenance or make any repairs—at least without the written permission of the landlord. One exception may be the tenant’s right to make repairs in an emergency situation to prevent harm to the property or its occupants.

In some limited circumstances a landlord may allow the tenant to maintain and make repairs to the leased premises when the landlord is confident in the tenant's ability to properly maintain the property and make the necessary repairs.

In Indiana, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs in a residential lease typically falls on the landlord, as they are required to keep the property habitable and safe. This obligation is in line with the implied warranty of habitability, which is recognized in many states. If the tenant or their guests cause damage due to negligence or intentional conduct, the landlord can usually repair the damage and bill the tenant. The lease agreement should clearly outline who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Tenants are generally not permitted to make repairs or conduct maintenance without the landlord's written consent, except in emergency situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm to the property or its occupants. In certain cases, a landlord might allow a tenant to perform maintenance and repairs if they trust the tenant's ability to do so properly. It's important for both landlords and tenants to review their lease agreements and understand their respective rights and responsibilities regarding property maintenance and repairs.