I agree you have to think about it, but things like appliances generally don't cost more to replace if you wait. If you have leaky roof or a wet basement take care of it as it will be cheaper to do now but those types of things don't make up the bulk of the maintenance costs, it's mostly little stuff that you can let slide if you need to. Other things like pest control you can do yourself with a little reading and call someone if it gets out of hand.

My point is mainly maintenance costs are a lot more flexible than rent. You don't fix a washing machine, you won't have a washing machine. Don't pay the rent and your out on the street.