Regular maintenance is crucial to keep rental properties in the best condition. As a rental property owner, you need to ensure that your property is well taken care of to keep your tenants happy and satisfied. A rental property that is maintained on a regular basis is appealing to tenants, allowing them to stay for the long term.
However, keep in mind that taking care of a rental property is a shared responsibility of both landlords and tenants. It’s important for landlords and tenants to be aware of these responsibilities, which are typically outlined under the landlord-tenant law.
Further, landlords also have the option to include optional tasks in the lease agreement that tenants can do to keep the rental home in good condition. When it comes to keeping the property in its best shape and ready to rent, landlords and tenants must always work together.
Property Maintenance Responsibilities of Landlords
As the owner of the property, you are required to adhere to the rules and regulations under landlord-tenant law. It is imperative that you keep your property as habitable as possible and comply with the law in making your premises conducive for living. While the specific requirements may vary from one state to another, the general rules include the following:
Provide Proper Garbage Disposal
Landlords are required to provide tenants with trash bins where they can put their garbage. The size and number of trash bins should be enough to accommodate the number of tenants living in the property, as well as the number of times the garbage is collected per week.
It’s best to contact the local government to inquire about the requirements for trash receptacles.
Supply Running Water
Landlords are expected to provide a sufficient supply of running water to tenants. Tenants should be able to access a functioning toilet, sink, and shower. Tenants should also be able to access hot water, so having a working water heater is recommended.
Perform Necessary Repairs
Property owners are required to make the necessary repairs to ensure that the rental home remains in habitable condition. It is also recommended to address tenants’ maintenance concerns as soon as possible to avoid issues. Preventative maintenance can also save time and money down the road.
However, if the premises needs repair due to a tenant’s negligence or abusive behavior, the landlord has the right to charge the cost of the repair to the tenant.
Maintain Common Areas of the Premises
Landlords are required to maintain the common areas of the property. They should keep them clean and provide working lighting fixtures. Lawns should be well-maintained. More importantly, all areas should also be kept safe. For instance, stairs should have a stable banister. Floorings should be free from any slipping or tripping hazards.
Abide By the Building Codes
It is the landlord’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for tenants. As a rental property owner, you should adhere to the building codes and laws in your state and city. Follow the requirements for the maximum number of tenants to occupy the property.
Also, comply with the rules on the proper placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, building structures, and plumbing and electrical lines. Also, know the requirements on certain issues such as lead paint, mold, asbestos, and pest infestations.
Property Maintenance Duties of Tenants
Under landlord-tenant laws, tenants also have responsibilities to ensure that the property is well taken care of. Abuse, negligence, and deliberate damage to the property may result in eviction. Here are some of the general legal responsibilities of tenants to keep the property in good shape:
Follow the Housing and Building Codes
Tenants are required to abide by the rules and regulations under the building and housing law. For instance, tenants are not allowed to sneak in additional people if they already reached the maximum capacity of the rental unit. In addition, tenants should also follow the terms and conditions indicated on the lease.
Maintain Proper Sanitation
Tenants should prioritize keeping the property free from sanitary hazards. They should dispose of their trash properly using the proper garbage receptacles provided by the landlord. Tenants should avoid letting the garbage pile up in the rental unit to prevent health issues.
Further, tenants have the obligation to keep the unit clean and well sanitized to prevent pest infestations, unpleasant odors, and other sanitation problems. Long-term tenants have to maintain this.
Prevent Mold Growth
Regularly cleaning the property can help prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the rental premises.
Tenants should also do all precautionary measures to prevent mold growth, which can also pose some health risks. Tenants are also required to report possible mold growth to the landlord as soon as they notice one.
Keep the Property Safe
Tenants must ensure the property is free from safety hazards by keeping the emergency exits accessible. Also, tenants are not allowed to tamper with smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. A fire extinguisher should also always be placed somewhere accessible.
Other Ways to Keep Your Rental Well-Maintained
To keep your property in its best condition and prevent bigger issues, property owners also have the option to do the following as additional ways to maintain their rentals:
● Regular Property Inspections: Performing routine inspections can help you determine whether tenants are responsibly taking care of your rental unit or not. It also allows you to address certain issues while they are still small.
● Seasonal Maintenance: You can also perform seasonal maintenance tasks such as cutting grass, raking leaves, cleaning the gutters, and shoveling snow during the winter.
● Immediate Repairs: If repairs are still necessary despite the routine inspections and seasonal maintenance, landlords should address the needed repairs right away. It’s best to hire a professional contractor to perform the repairs. But if your tenant can manage to perform minor repairs on their own, you may also agree to this if you are comfortable.
Bottom Line
It’s important to note that landlords should be responsible for all necessary repairs. Landlords are not allowed to force a tenant to be accountable for all maintenance and repairs on the property.
However, if a repair is needed because the tenant has damaged or failed to perform his/her duties to take care of the property, then the tenant should be made liable for fixing the problem. The landlord has the option to perform the needed repairs, then charge the cost to the tenant.
If you don’t want to go through the struggles of doing inspections, performing maintenance checks, and addressing repair issues on your own, it’s best to hire a reliable property manager. Contact Alliance Property Management at 801-728-0454, and we’ll be happy to assist you!
