Ensuring working order

Jinhee asks:
(updated on Wednesday, July 11th 2018)

I’m a tenant in an old apartment built in 1961. Recently, I got stuck in the bathroom for over three hours because the bathroom handle was broken. My neighbour heard but was not able to contact my landlord so they called an emergency locksmith. The locksmith opened the front door and the bathroom door. The locksmith said the latch bolt on the bathroom handle was old and not in working condition anymore.

When I told the landlord what had happened and about the bathroom handle, they said it is the tenant's responsibility. I know that legally tenants are responsible for all damage that results from their neglect or abuse. But I did not damage the bathroom door handle intentionally or due to negligence. It was just used normally. Also, the locksmith identified the malfunction cause as being due to age.

But my landlord has ignored me. Could you please tell me who is responsible for the locksmith costs for opening the doors and installing the new handle.