Last Updated on February 10, 2026
In most rentals, the landlord pays for broken window glass when it breaks due to normal wear and tear, defects, or outside events the tenant did not cause (like storms or vandalism). The tenant pays when the window breaks because of the tenant’s actions, negligence, misuse, or their guests, kids, or pets. Responsibility can also shift based on your lease and local law, but that cause-based rule is the one most disputes come back to.
A broken window is more than an annoyance. It affects security, weather protection, energy efficiency, and sometimes even whether the home is considered safe and livable. That is why most disagreements are not really about the glass, they are about what caused it and what the lease expects.
Below is a practical guide that landlords and tenants can both use to figure out the fairest answer quickly.
The two “buckets” that decide almost every case
Bucket 1: Maintenance and habitability (usually landlord responsibility)
In many jurisdictions, landlords have a duty to keep a rental in a condition that is safe and fit for human habitation, even if the lease does not spell out every repair detail.
This is why landlords typically pay when the window breaks because of:
- aging materials
- a defective window or poor installation
- structural settling or warped frames
- storms or outside events the tenant did not cause
- outside vandalism or break-ins (when the tenant did not contribute)
Bucket 2: Tenant-caused damage (usually tenant responsibility)
Tenants are generally responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear, especially when it was caused by:
- accidents inside the unit
- misuse (slamming or forcing a stuck window)
- negligence (not reporting a developing issue and making it worse)
- intentional damage
- guests, kids, or pets
When the landlord usually pays for broken window glass
Normal wear and tear or an aging window
Glass and frames can weaken over time. If the crack appears without an obvious impact point, or the window has been failing for a while (sticking, not locking, rattling), it often points to maintenance.
Common examples
- A stress crack forms across a pane with no hit mark
- The frame is warped or rotting and puts pressure on the glass
- The sash is misaligned and the glass fails over time
Defective window, poor installation, or failed hardware
If the window was improperly installed, the tracks are off, or the latch/hardware failure leads to breakage, it is typically treated as a repair the owner needs to address.
Storm damage or outside events the tenant did not cause
If wind-blown debris, hail, or a falling branch breaks the glass, landlords usually coordinate the repair. Whether insurance is involved depends on the policy and deductible, but responsibility for restoring the exterior barrier generally sits with the owner.
Outside vandalism or break-in attempts (not caused by the tenant)
If someone throws a rock from outside or attempts a break-in, the unit needs to be secured quickly. Many landlords handle the repair because it is part of keeping the rental safe and habitable.
When the tenant usually pays for broken window glass
Accidents inside the unit
Accidents happen, but they are still often treated as tenant-caused damage.
Common examples
- A piece of furniture bumps or falls into the glass
- Something heavy slips while cleaning or rearranging
- A door or window is slammed hard enough to shatter the pane
Damage caused by guests, kids, or pets
Most leases treat guest/occupant/pet damage as the tenant’s responsibility, because the tenant controls who is in the unit.
Misuse or negligence
This is where disputes get heated. If a window is sticking or not latching and the tenant keeps forcing it without reporting the problem, the landlord may argue the break was avoidable.
Examples
- Forcing a stuck window open or shut
- Repeated slamming
- DIY removal/reinstall of parts that causes stress on the pane
“Who Pays” and “Who Fixes It” Are Not Always the Same Thing
Even when the tenant is responsible for the cost, the landlord often still controls the repair process. That is not about being difficult. It is usually about protecting the property and keeping everything consistent across units.
Landlords often prefer to:
- Choose the contractor and materials (to match existing windows and maintain consistent quality)
- Ensure the repair meets safety standards (especially if tempered/safety glass is required)
- Reduce liability (injuries, incorrect installation, future leaks, and tenant DIY repairs can become costly)
- Keep the building secure (a broken window is an immediate access point)
So in many rentals, the process looks like this:
- The landlord schedules the repair quickly.
- The landlord pays the contractor.
- If the break was tenant-caused, the landlord bills the tenant afterward or deducts appropriately from the deposit (where allowed).
A helpful mindset here is: speed and safety come first, then the cost decision gets finalized once the cause is clear.
What Your Lease Can Change and What It Usually Cannot
Your lease can change the “who pays” answer more than people expect, but it does not typically eliminate a landlord’s responsibility to keep the unit safe once they are notified.
Lease Clauses That Matter Most
Search your lease for language around:
- Glass / windows / breakage
- Tenant damage
- Repairs and maintenance responsibilities
- Reporting requirements (how quickly damage must be reported)
- Emergency repairs or security issues
- Vendor approval rules (some leases prohibit tenants from hiring contractors)
If the Lease Says “Tenant Pays for All Broken Glass”
Some leases try to make this blanket rule. In practice, even if cost responsibility is being debated, a broken window still needs prompt attention because it creates:
- a security risk
- a weather exposure risk
- a safety hazard (shattered or unstable glass)
- potential moisture entry (which can lead to rot or mold)
So it is common for landlords to repair first and sort responsibility second, especially when the home is exposed to outside conditions.
Security Deposits and Broken Windows
Security deposits are where these disputes often end up, so it helps to know what “clean documentation” looks like on both sides.
General Rule of Thumb
If the window broke due to maintenance, age, or defect, that is usually not a deposit issue.
If the tenant caused the break (or their guests, kids, or pets), the landlord may be able to charge the tenant and, depending on local rules, deduct from the deposit with proper documentation and itemization.
If You Are a Tenant, Ask For:
- The invoice or receipt
- Photos (before/after if available)
- A brief written explanation tying the charge to tenant-caused damage
- Confirmation of whether it was a glass-only replacement or if frame/hardware was included
If You Are a Landlord, Keep:
- Photos before and after
- Vendor notes (especially if the contractor confirms impact damage vs stress crack)
- The lease clause you are relying on
- A simple written timeline showing when the tenant reported it and when it was repaired
- This is the difference between a clean resolution and an argument that drags on for weeks.
Where Renters Insurance Fits In
If you (or a guest) accidentally break a window and the landlord bills you, renters insurance may help depending on your coverage and deductible.
Many renters do not realize their policy may include personal liability coverage that can apply to accidental property damage, but coverage varies a lot, so the best move is:
- Take photos
- Report promptly
- Ask your insurer whether your policy can help with accidental damage claims
Even if insurance does not apply, it can still reduce conflict because it creates a clear “process” for handling payment and documentation.
If you want more practical guidance on what to do when glass is cracked, Arax Windows has a helpful resource on how to fix cracked window glass
The Fastest Way to Handle a Broken Window Without Conflict
A broken window can turn into an argument fast, but it does not have to. The goal is simple: make it safe, document what happened, and communicate clearly so the repair can move forward without finger-pointing.
1) Make It Safe First
Start with safety and security before anything else.
- Keep kids and pets away from the area.
- Do not touch cracked or shattered glass.
- If the pane is cracked but still intact, avoid slamming doors or nearby windows. Vibration can cause the crack to spread.
- If there is an opening to the outside, secure it temporarily (without creating new hazards) until the repair is scheduled.
2) Document It Right Away
A few photos now can prevent a long dispute later.
Take:
- A clear close-up of the crack or break.
- A full photo of the entire window from inside.
- An outside photo if relevant (storm debris, vandalism, impact evidence).
- Any details that suggest cause, such as an impact point, broken branches nearby, or signs of forced entry.
3) Notify in Writing
Even if you call, send a short message in writing. It keeps everyone on the same page and helps speed up the repair timeline.
Include:
- Which window is damaged and where (example: “living room, north-facing window”).
- When it happened or when you first noticed it.
- Whether it is open to weather, cannot lock, or creates a safety risk.
- What caused it, if you know (storm, accident, unknown).
4) Use a “Repair-First” Message
This keeps things calm and practical:
“The priority is securing the unit and preventing further damage. Once the repair is complete, we can confirm responsibility based on the cause, the lease, and local requirements.”
That one line helps prevent the situation from turning into a blame game, because it sets a clear order: repair first, responsibility second.
Common Scenarios and Who Usually Pays
While every lease and local rule can vary, these are the patterns that show up most often.
Landlord Usually Pays
These situations typically point to maintenance issues or outside events the tenant did not cause:
-
A stress crack caused by age, defects, or frame settling
-
Storm or hail damage
-
Outside vandalism or attempted break-in (when the tenant was not at fault)
-
Window hardware failure that causes the sash to shift or the glass to crack
Tenant Usually Pays
These situations are usually considered tenant-caused damage:
-
Furniture, tools, or household items hit the glass
-
A guest breaks the window (even accidentally)
-
Kids or pets break the pane
-
Misuse such as slamming or forcing a stuck window
-
Intentional damage
Window Repair in Mount Prospect, IL
If you need fast, professional window repair in Mount Prospect, IL, Arax Windows can help you secure the opening, replace broken glass, and restore the window so it closes, locks, and protects your home again.
Do not leave broken glass or a drafty window for later. Even small cracks can spread quickly, and open panes can lead to water intrusion, pest entry, and security concerns.
Arax Windows can help with:
- Broken window glass replacement
- Window sash and hardware repair
- Draft and seal issues
- Repair-first guidance for landlords and tenants
- Service in Mount Prospect and nearby suburbs
Not sure whether you should repair or replace the whole window? This guide can help you decide: https://www.araxwindows.com/repair-instead-of-replace-window-tips/
Call Arax Windows today at (815) 230-1890 to schedule window repair in Mount Prospect, IL, and get your home secure again.
FAQs About Cracked Windows in Cold Weather
How do you fix a thermal stress crack in a window?
Thermal stress cracks usually cannot be permanently repaired because the internal tension that caused the crack remains present. In limited cases where the crack is very small and not at the edge, a professional may stabilize it temporarily to slow spreading. However, most thermal stress cracks require glass replacement to fully restore insulation, safety, and structural integrity. Attempting DIY fixes often leads to further cracking, especially in cold weather.
What does a stress crack in window glass look like?
A stress crack typically:
- Starts near the edge of the glass rather than the center
- Appears as a thin, straight or slightly curved line
- Lacks a visible impact point or chip
- Gradually extends across the pane over time
Unlike impact cracks, stress cracks do not radiate outward from a central spot and often become more noticeable after temperature changes.
At what temperature does window glass start to crack?
Glass does not crack at a single fixed temperature. Cracking occurs when there is a rapid temperature difference of approximately 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit across the glass surface. For example, when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing while the interior surface is exposed to heated indoor air, thermal stress can exceed the glass’s tolerance, especially in older or poorly insulated windows.
Is it okay to wait until spring to fix a cracked window?
No. Waiting often leads to larger cracks, heat loss, and moisture intrusion. Cold air entering through the crack can cause condensation inside the frame, which increases the risk of seal failure and frame damage before spring arrives.
How much heat can a cracked window actually lose?
Even a small crack can reduce a window’s insulating value enough to raise heating costs by 5 to 15 percent in the affected room. Cracks disrupt the air seal, allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter continuously.
Can cracked glass damage the window frame?
Yes. Cracks allow cold air and moisture to reach the frame. Over time, this can lead to wood rot, warped vinyl, or weakened seals, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
