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 Louisiana, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining and repairing the leased premises to ensure they are habitable and safe, as per the Louisiana Revised Statutes. This includes fixing any issues that affect the property's structural integrity, plumbing, heating, and other essential services. However, if the damage is due to the tenant's negligence or intentional acts, or those of their guests, the landlord can repair the damage and bill the tenant for the costs. Tenants are typically not allowed to make repairs themselves unless the lease agreement specifically grants this right or in emergency situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Some leases may allow a tenant to perform maintenance or repairs if the landlord trusts the tenant's ability to do so competently. It's important for both landlords and tenants to review their lease agreements carefully to understand their respective responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs.