The relationship between the tenant and landlord officially begins when the tenant signs a lease agreement. Both have rights and responsibilities, so it is crucial to stay on top of landlord-tenant law to fully understand each obligation. While the laws governing the responsibility between tenants and landlords vary between states, it is necessary that everything is clearly defined and agreed upon during the contract-signing stage.
A property manager is an agent that work on behalf of the landlord and represents the the landlord in all business pertaining to the property.
Who’s responsible for what in a Rental Property
Landlords/Property Managers and tenants each have their own responsibilities especially when it comes to the following commonly debated issues on habitability, security deposit, property damage, repairs, cleaning, pest control, utilities, and lease termination notice just to name a few. Here’s what you need to know about common responsibilities between tenants and landlords, so you can your relationship with your landlord on solid footing and stay out of legal trouble.
General Tenant Responsibilities to the Landlord (Property Manager)
- Pay rent on time.
- Pay any late fees as defined in the lease.
- Maintain the property by keeping it clean.
- Keep smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors in working condition.
- Dispose trash and recycle properly.
- Deal with any infestation caused by your own actions.
- Perform minor repairs as permitted by the lease.
- Subletting or taking on additional tenants without consent from the landlord.
- Avoid doing activities that may create disturb or endanger other residents.
Landlord (Property Manger) Responsibilities to their Tenants
- Outline the responsibilities of the tenant in a clear and detailed manner.
- Inform the tenant if there are any changes to the lease agreement.
- Provide habitable housing by making sure the building structure is intact and safe.
- Keep utilities in working order like the plumbing, electricity, heating or cooling systems.
- Ensure that doors and locks are working correctly and escape routes are accessible.
- Check if fire, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working properly.
- Protect the security deposit of the tenant.
- Look after necessary structural or exterior repairs and maintenance.
- Deal with any infestations (e.g. mice, rats, bedbugs, termites)
When it comes to utility bills, the tenancy agreement must outline who is responsible for paying utilities and should clearly state any other charges that the tenant must pay. Gray areas in the lease agreement can cause headaches and the best way to avoid any legal issues or possible eviction is by becoming well-versed in what you can and cannot do by law as a tenant. Fostering a healthy relationship between the tenant and landlord starts by knowing each responsibility and meeting hallway. When in doubt, consult a property manager or a real estate lawyer to know exactly your responsibilities as tenant to your landlord and vice versa.
Working with Apogee Properties
Apogee Properties is Houston’s leading real estate management company. We work and live in Houston and our property managers are local. We have been in business for more than a decades and, over that time, we provided comprehensive property management services and we would love to earn your business.
Contact us today to learn more!
