Renters have certain legal responsibilities as tenants, such as paying rent according to the lease agreement. Likewise, landlords have specific responsibilities to their tenants. These responsibilities range from proper maintenance of property to timely response to inquiries to legal storage of a tenant’s security deposit. Landlords and tenants need to be aware of these responsibilities to ensure the best relationship.
Safe & Clean Environment
Landlords have the responsibility to provide their tenants with a safe and secure place to call home. This safety includes proper security features on all doors and windows. For example, all front doors should have at least a dead bolt. Other safety features should include properly functioning dual-detector smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate outdoor lighting. Additionally, for multi-tenant properties, landlords should properly screen all tenants to ensure the safest environment for all renters. Finally, all common areas in apartment complexes are the responsibility of the landlord; ensure that common areas are well-groomed, free of trash, and that parking lots are well-lit.
Maintenance Requests
It is the landlord’s duty to respond to maintenance and repair requests in a reasonable length of time. Minor repairs, just as a broken drawer or hinge, require attention within a few days, while more serious issues, such as a non-functioning heater in winter, should receive prompt attention. Tenants should also have a way to contact the landlord in the case of emergency situations, such as a broken water pipe, that might cause extensive damage to the property.
Renter’s Insurance
A landlord’s insurance policy does not cover a tenant’s property. Most landlords know this, but many tenants do not. Landlords are advised to encourage tenants to purchase renter’s insurance to protect their possessions in case of fire, flood, theft, or other accident. Renters insurance can also help protect them from liability for an accident a guest may have inside of their apartment.
Security Deposit
Landlords have a legal responsibility to keep a tenant’s security deposit in accordance with state laws. These laws vary, but landlords should be fully acquainted with their legal responsibilities with regard to deposits provided by tenants.
The relationship between landlord and tenant is an important one. Fuller understanding of the rights and responsibilities of each party ensures that the relationship is on a firm foundation. This firm foundation helps prevent misunderstandings and allows both parties to benefit.
Source: Landlords
