How or what can be done to fix this cracking bathtub?

You might try to clean it up and then put a fiberglass patch on it. There is a small kit available at your auto store which you can mix up and putty on. It will dry solid. Check to see if you can remove the grate and install a new one before starting your project.

Hi Janet, you can purchase a porcelain refinishing kit follow instruction exactly

https://www.rona.ca/en/paint---specialty-paint?viewStore=66550&cm_mmc=shopping_google-_-g_129_96-_-1697007263-_-AB-03305620&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMvlBRDmARIsAEoQ8zSC40Rt-yhIrAj9Y8VqO5WJKa7OpiyB37aPmd755W_dAARU40JQPyIaAnFQEALw_wcB

the other thing you could do is get Bathfitter in, they just put a new acrylic overlay on your existing tub and it looks like brand new, we had it done 3 years ago and it still looks fabulous! https://www.bathfitter.com/

Hi Janet, You didn't tell us what material your tub is, so, Here are a few links that may help. This one is for a porcelain tub: https://www.tradewindsimports.com/blog/how-to-repair-a-cracked-porcelain-sink-or-bathtub/

This link is for fiberglass: https://www.google.com/search?q=fix+cracking+bathtub&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS781US781&oq=fix+cracking+bathtub&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60j0.5403j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=1

And this one if for cast iron: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-crack-cast-iron-bathtub-31742.html

Hope one of these helps!

It's not your problem. It's the landlords problem. Get permission from the landlord...IN WRITING...before doing anything that is permanent. You could loose your deposit or worse get sued for "damages".

janet, there should be a maintains person for your building, sometimes its called in from an on site manager- its up to those peeps to notify maintenance personnel. they should arrive at a time you are in the apartment. if the issue will drag on, here in iowa you would be moved into the next available appt., until the issue is fixed. its not your problem to get a new tub, or to refinish the tub. its your landlords.