Probably renters, depending on the lease, renters have certain amount of up keep to preform ie shovelling snow, cleaning windows etc. also informing the landlord of any and all maintenance issues with the rental. How long do you figure it would be before the landlord knew that there was no heat or hot water or the roof was leaking. Sorry Mark in my book the smoke detectors battery maybe the landlord responsible but the tenant also has the responsibility to inform the landlord of maintenance issues.