should a renter pay for repairs in commercial space?

As a tenant in a commercial space, your maintenance responsibilities depend entirely on what your lease says. Commercial leases are not like residential leases and they vary dramatically in how repair costs are allocated. In a gross lease, the landlord typically covers most repairs and maintenance including structural, plumbing, and electrical. In a triple net lease, the tenant pays for nearly everything including maintenance, insurance, and taxes on top of rent. Most commercial leases fall somewhere in between, and the specifics are spelled out in the lease agreement. A burst pipe is typically a building infrastructure issue, and in most lease structures that falls on the landlord. The plumbing was there before you moved in and it's part of the building's systems, not something caused by your use. The landlord's argument that you bought the practice and therefore should pay doesn't hold up if the lease doesn't specifically assign plumbing repair responsibility to you. Pull out your lease and read the maintenance and repair section carefully. If plumbing isn't specifically listed as your responsibility, push back in writing. If the lease is ambiguous, consult a commercial real estate attorney. Water damage in a basement-level medical space is a serious issue that could affect your equipment, records, and ability to operate, and you shouldn't be footing the bill for building infrastructure failures unless your lease clearly says otherwise.

In many commercial leases, the tenant is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and sometimes even systems (HVAC, plumbing, etc.) depending on the lease type: Triple Net (NNN): Tenant handles most repairs Modified Gross: Shared responsibilities Full Service: Landlord covers most Always refer to the lease agreement—commercial leases differ significantly from residential.

Commercial leases are usually very specific, and who is responsible for what would certainly be covered in the agreement.

You should not be required to pay for repairs in a rental space. I would take the lease agreement and explain your situation to a real estate attorney in your State and explore your options.

The purchase agreement of the practice would not likely cover your long term responsibilities of your tenancy - that would be covered by the lease. It is common to have a triple net lease for commercial spaces, meaning you cover costs typically responsible to the Landlord. If it is not in writing, then it would difficult for the Landlord to require you to cover these costs.