You should never organize major repairs (plumbing, electrical, structural, gas, windows, doors, etc.) on your own without written approval.

Why:

• The landlord has the right to choose who works on their property.

• Unapproved repairs can create safety, quality, or warranty problems.

• If your unofficial repair causes further damage, you may be responsible for those extra costs.

For small things (like replacing a light bulb), it’s usually fine to do it yourself. For anything else:

Always report the issue first and wait for confirmation whether:

• The landlord/agency will send their repair person, or
• You can solve it yourself and send a receipt.

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At move-in, you usually have a period of 48 hours to report:

• Existing damage

• Missing items

• Problems with cleanliness, equipment, etc.

If you don’t report something in that time and it is only discovered at move-out, it may be treated as if it happened during your stay.

This means:

• The landlord could consider it tenant damage

• The cost to fix it might be deducted from your deposit

That’s why it’s very important to:

• Carefully check the property at move-in

• Take photos and report all issues within the allowed time frame

• Keep a copy of what you reported (email or form confirmation)

If you lose the keys or damage the lock:

• you must inform the landlord immediately,

• the landlord may need to change the cylinder and keys for security reasons,

• the cost of new keys and lock is usually your responsibility.

If you do not pay directly, these costs can be deducted from your deposit at the end of the tenancy.

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The landlord pays for:

• repairs of major installations and appliances (heating system, electrical system, fridge, washing machine, serious plumbing issues), unless the problem is clearly caused by improper use.

The tenant pays for:

• damage caused by misuse, negligence or accidents

• small, routine items like light bulbs, batteries, minor drain cleaning if blocked by hair or food.

If something stops working:

1. inform the landlord as soon as possible.

2. explain what happened and when.

3. do not try risky DIY repairs that could make things worse.

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Normal wear and tear is the gradual, expected change that happens with responsible use over time, for example:

• slightly worn chair legs,

• minor marks on the floor or walls,

• small signs of usage on appliances.

Damage is something caused by negligence, misuse or accidents, such as:

• broken furniture,

• large holes or many screw marks in walls,

• deep stains on mattresses, sofas or carpets,

• mold caused by not ventilating and not cleaning,

• broken windows, doors, or locks.

Normal wear and tear is the landlord’s responsibility. Damage is your responsibility and may be deducted from the deposit.

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In short:

• Ventilate regularly, even in winter (short, strong airing).

• Heat rooms to a reasonable temperature, especially those you use or where you store things.

• Dry clothes carefully and ventilate more when you do. Do not dry clothes on radiators.

• Clean regularly and don’t ignore small spots.

• Report serious or persistent issues early, with photos.

By doing this, you:

• protect your health,

• protect the property of the landlord,

• protect your deposit,

• and make your stay more comfortable and problem-free.

HomeInZagreb and landlords appreciate tenants who take mould and humidity seriously and cooperate to prevent damage. If you are ever unsure, ask us – we are happy to advise.

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This is usually a bad idea.

A room that is:

• never heated
• never ventilated
• and perhaps contains furniture or clothes
• becomes a perfect place for mould.

Even if you use only part of the apartment, all rooms need some ventilation, and in cold months at least minimal heating, to avoid serious humidity problems.

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Some signs of excessive humidity:

• water drops on the inside of windows for long periods,

• walls feeling cold and damp to the touch,

• a strong, musty smell,

• clothes and bedding feeling slightly wet or never fully dry,

• small black/grey spots appearing in corners or around window frames.

If you notice any of these regularly, you should:

• ventilate more often and more intensively,

• avoid drying clothes in that room,

• heat the room properly in cold weather,

• clean small spots immediately.

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Yes.

If mould and humidity damage are clearly related to lack of ventilation and cleaning during your stay, the landlord can:

• charge cleaning and repainting costs,

• charge for damaged furniture, curtains, mattresses or other items,

• deduct these costs from your security deposit.

Examples of tenant-related damage:

• thick mould behind wardrobes pressed tightly to outside walls,

• heavy mould in bathroom where there is a window that was almost never opened,

• windows and frames black with mould and never cleaned,

• rotten silicone and grout due to months of standing water and no cleaning.

On the other hand, if a serious structural problem is proven (e.g. roof leak), that is typically landlord’s responsibility – but it still needs to be reported early.

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Act early:

1. Ventilate more – especially the room where mould appears.

2. Clean the affected area with appropriate cleaning products (there are specific anti-mould sprays in supermarkets and drugstores).

3. Move furniture slightly away from the wall if mould is behind it.

4. Check your habits – drying clothes, closed windows, lack of heating.

If:

• the mould comes back quickly,

• spreads despite better ventilation, or

• seems to be connected to a leak (wet patches, peeling paint, dripping),

then:

• take clear photos,

• inform the landlord in writing,

• describe since when you noticed it and what you already tried.

Early information makes it easier to find the real cause.

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Check out the MOULD section