Routine maintenance is essential to maintain the condition and upkeep of your rental property. As a rental property owner, it’s important to know your responsibility in keeping your property in its best condition so that you can provide a habitable place for your tenants through routine maintenance.

Similarly, short-term and long-term tenants also share responsibilities in taking care of the rental property and making sure that it is maintained properly. It’s crucial to discuss these responsibilities with your tenants when they move into the property so that they are aware of what you expect from them.

It’s also best to include both your tenants’ and your responsibilities in maintaining the upkeep of the rental property in the lease agreement to leave no room for confusion about the maintenance or the rental property maintenance expenses.

What are the Property Maintenance Responsibilities of a Landlord?

Under the law, landlords are mandated to maintain the rental home on a regular basis and float the maintenance costs. It is a landlord’s duty to provide a habitable dwelling space to tenants, and this includes attending to repair issues on a timely basis. The duties and responsibilities of landlords may vary per state. However, in general, landlords are required to comply with the following:

Supply Proper Garbage Receptacles

Landlords should be responsible for providing trash receptacles to tenants. Make sure that the garbage bins are sufficient to accommodate the number of residents on the property. Also consider the number of times in a week the garbage is collected.

If the repair is due to tenant-caused damage, landlords may charge the cost of repair to the erring tenants. It is a tenant's responsibility to cover yearly maintenance costs related to damage they cause that goes beyond normal wear and tear.

What are Tenants’ Property Maintenance Responsibilities?

Since the tenant is the one residing in the rental unit, they are also obligated to do their part to ensure that the property remains in good condition. In fact, under the law, tenants are mandated to take care of the property that they are renting. Tenants’ duties and responsibilities may differ depending on the state and city, but generally, the following are included:

Keep The Rental Home Free From Sanitary Hazards

Tenants should dispose of their garbage properly using the trash receptacles provided by the landlord in order to keep a well maintained property. They should not let any trash pile up inside the rental unit as it can cause odor and other possible health issues. In addition, tenants should keep the property clean and in a sanitary condition.

Keep The Rental Home Free From Safety Hazards

All emergency exits should be easily accessible. Tenants must make sure that nothing is blocking any exits. Moreover, the removal of batteries from smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is strictly prohibited.

Stay in Strict Compliance With the Building and Housing Codes

Tenants are also required to comply with the building and housing codes. For example, they should not sneak in additional residents if they already meet the maximum capacity. Having more tenants living in a rental unit can cause quick wear and tear.

Prevent Mold Growth

It is the duty of the tenants to ensure that no excess moisture is left unattended. Any damp and humid areas can be a breeding ground for molds, and they can easily spread throughout other areas of the property.

Molds can cause health issues and breathing problems, and they should be prevented as much as possible. If renters find any signs of mold growth, they should report this to the landlord right away, so the two parties can work together to keep a well maintained property.

Prevent Damage to the Property

Tenants should do their part in taking care of the property to extend its lifespan and prevent any possible damage. Damages that are due to normal wear and tear are common and acceptable. However, if the damage is due to the tenant’s negligence and abusive behavior, renters should be responsible for the cost of repairs.

Take Care of the Supplied Appliances and Furniture

If the rental unit is furnished, tenants are expected to take care of the appliances and furniture supplied by the landlord. Tenants should keep them reasonably clean. Grease should be wiped off the appliances on a regular basis to prevent build-up. In addition, these appliances should be used properly.

Other Ways Tenants Can Help with Property Maintenance

●     Seasonal Maintenance: A tenant can perform seasonal maintenance to ensure that the property remains in its best condition. They can cut grass, mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and clean the gutters.

●     Keep Common Areas Clean: Renters may also help the landlord in keeping the common areas clean. Since they are the ones residing on the property, it would be easier for them to maintain the common areas on a regular basis.

Bottom Line

Maintaining your rental property can be a difficult task for even the most experienced property owner, but they are necessary to continue making a strong rental property income. To get the most out of your rental, get in touch with our expert team at First & Main Property Management today!