When it comes to repairs or repainting the landlord can agree or decline. When we were renting a house I offered to share half of the cost of repainting and the landlord readily agreed. I actually paid for everything and the share of the landlord was deducted from the subsequent rent.In my country, the landlord usually pays for getting things fixed before the tenant actually signs an agreement with the landlord. These things may include getting the walls painted and getting things fixed such as bathroom taps, doors, windows, etc.