Repairs & living conditions
Can my landlord charge me for repairs?
For damage you or your guests caused, yes. For normal wear and tear or the building's own aging - worn carpet, aging appliances, routine maintenance - no.
The wear-versus-damage line runs through every repair charge: a door that sags after years of use is wear; a hole punched in it is damage. You're responsible for damage, the landlord for wear and the systems of the building.
Watch for lease clauses shifting all maintenance to you - 'tenant responsible for all repairs' clauses are unenforceable against habitability duties in most states, though they may stick for minor upkeep.
Do something about it
The Lease red-flag checker turns this answer into action.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city and change over time - for a specific situation, contact a local tenant-rights organization.