AUSPL Works with USPS Facilities Department to Resolve Lightbulb Lease Issue

The form of the “Maintenance Rider Landlord Responsibility” that is currently included with the 2021 lease and 2020 small building lease contains a surprising difference from prior maintenance riders.  That is, the “Landlord Responsibility” maintenance rider makes a lessor responsible for changing lightbulbs, a responsibility that, in the past, has been borne by the USPS.

AUSPL contacted the USPS and questioned the change in responsibility for a “custodial” obligation such as lightbulb replacement.  The response of the USPS Facilities Department was that the change in the form was a mistake, and the USPS does not intend that landlords should be responsible for lightbulb replacement.  Consistent with past practice, the USPS will remain responsible for changing lightbulbs.  Through an amendment to the “Custodial Services” portion of the Utilities and Services Rider, the USPS plans to correct the mistake in the near future.

Nevertheless, at present, the language remains in current versions of the Landlord responsibility” maintenance rider.  Lessors signing new leases should ensure either that (i) language in a new version of the Utilities & Services Rider makes the USPS responsible for replacing lightbulbs, or (ii) adds such language in an addendum to the lease.  Landlord’s whose leases already contain the erroneous language should alert Contracting Officers to the mistake if asked to replace light bulbs.