Are some of these items legit? You don't see a broken light fixture over the stairs with loose and broken glass? If you do, you ask if it should be fixed? Did the tenant break it during move-in? Repair it and bill him for it. Some things such as LED light bulbs or rust are easy to see as you walk through completing a move-in checklist. The answer is "I believe you were aware of that before you moved in, I'm sorry but that's how the apartment comes." Others, like a thermostat, might take some time and I give my tenants the benefit of the doubt for the first month. After that it's going to be on them for the repair cost. Tenant has no motivation to perform the repairs correctly other than maybe giving his friend a job. It's your property so you pick the contractor and approve his work before payment or do-it-yourself. God forbid the tenant gets hurt while patching up your unit. If all else fails, release him from the lease without penalty and tell him you hope he finds someplace else where he'll be happy. The bigger problem is... you don't see a broken door lock or loose wires hanging from a range? Really? Rentals are all about durability and ease of maintenance, perform a fire/safety inspection every three months and check things out. Perform some active listening as you walk and make a list. Get 'er done and sincerely wishing you good luck with your investment.
