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Who’s responsible for replacing LED light fixtures in rentals?

Anna
7 November 2024

One question that often comes up is: who pays if an LED light fitting needs replacing? Here, we break down when tenants are responsible and when it’s on the landlord.

Are tenants responsible for lightbulb replacement?

Generally, yes. In most rental agreements, tenants are responsible for replacing standard lightbulbs during their tenancy. This falls under basic, everyday upkeep, much like keeping the property clean or changing the batteries in smoke alarms. For traditional bulbs, this is straightforward, but what happens if the property has LED light fixtures?

LED light fixtures vs. standard bulbs

LED fixtures are often integrated, meaning the bulb and fitting are part of the same unit. Unlike standard bulbs, which tenants can easily replace, LED fixtures often require the help of an electrician because they are harder to access or are designed as complete units.

When an electrician Is needed, it’s usually the landlord’s responsibility

If replacing an LED lightbulb means calling an electrician to change the entire fitting, the responsibility typically shifts to the landlord. This level of work goes beyond what would be considered routine tenant maintenance, as it involves a fixture repair or replacement rather than simply changing a bulb.

Other articles you might be interested in:
Maintenance and Repairs: who's responsible?
What is normal wear and tear?
Who is responsible for pool maintenance?
Who pays for water charges in a tenancy?


The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.

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