Apartment Living: A Guide To Landlord And Tenant Responsibilities

There are almost 44.1 million renters in the United States, Pew Research Center reveals. Although many people dream of one day owning their own homes, renting has a host of unique benefits, including the flexibility to choose where you live, lower utility costs, and no maintenance or repair costs. If you’re a renter, it’s important to understand your responsibilities as a tenant, as well as those of your landlord. Being clear on your duties can help ensure maintenance problems are kept to a minimum and, if they do occur, are resolved quickly.

What are landlords responsible for?

In virtually all states, landlords are legally required to keep rentals fit for habitation. That means potentially dangerous hazards must be addressed and major repairs made promptly, so the rental remains liveable for tenants. If, for example, your roof starts leaking or the oven stops working, you need to let the landlord know, so they can fix or replace it. Landlords are also responsible for pest control.

Again, tenants must inform the landlord of any pest problems (like termites, cockroaches, or rats) as soon as possible. Landlords are also responsible for maintenance jobs between tenants. So, once a tenant vacates the rental, the landlord must inspect the property and make sure any issues are resolved before the next tenant moves in.

The landlord is also responsible for cleaning common areas throughout the building. Building cleaning services, in particular, can help ensure the building remains in keeping with health and safety rules. Professional cleaning skills and equipment are also key to ensuring optimal cleanliness and functionality throughout the year.

Similarly, landlords must also ensure the building is free from safety hazards. As such, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must always be in place and in working condition. The tenant, however, is required to keep an eye on these alarms and replace low batteries as needed.

What are tenants responsible for? 

Tenants also have their fair share of responsibilities. Namely, they must keep their apartment clean, so the landlord isn’t left with a huge cleaning job once they vacate. Correct garbage disposal is also required from tenants. Similarly, tenants are also required to take care of the property; damage created through carelessness must therefore be avoided.

Although landlords understand the usual wear and tear is a given, the rental shouldn’t be left in a notably worse condition than it was when they moved in. Tenants are responsible for any damage they cause to the rental (even if it was accidental) and must get any issues repaired as soon as possible.

Apartment living offers many benefits for tenants, most notably, a lack of maintenance fees. That said, tenants are still expected to look after their rental and keep it in good condition. If you have any questions about the details concerning the maintenance of your apartment, take the time to look over your lease and contact your landlord or property manager with any queries.