If you want to protect your real estate investment and ensure your property remains in excellent condition, you must conduct regular maintenance.
Having a maintained property will also keep your tenants happy, which is crucial if you're trying to retain them for the long-term.
But property maintenance isn't only your responsibility. Tenants have their own responsibilities, too.
In this post, we are going over how landlord's and tenant's must maintain the rental property.
Landlord Responsibilities for Property Maintenance
Housing rules and regulations state that you, as a landlord, must maintain your rental properties in a specific condition.
Here are your maintenance responsibilities:
1. Provide Ample Trash Cans for Residents
You are required to provide your tenants with trash cans that are large enough to accommodate the appropriate amount of trash.
Additionally, it is your duty to ensure that all regulations and standards are followed. If you want to rent out your property, it is important to verify that everything conforms to safety code.
2. Offer Fresh and Adequate Water Supply
It is crucial that you can provide your renters with running water. Be sure you have a functional toilet, sink and shower. Also, be sure you are providing hot water.
If there are problems, like broken pipes or a faulty water heater, you must do everything you can to get them fixed as soon as possible.
3. Observe Housing Codes and Guidelines
You need to make sure that the property abides by strict regulations before renting it out. This means keeping up with plumbing and electrical fixtures as needed and providing your tenants with a secure and healthy living environment.
The guidelines also outline the requirements for installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as requirements for telling tenants about the structural integrity of the building, problems with hazardous paint, mold, and asbestos.
4. Continuously Upkeep your Property's Common Areas
You are obligated to keep the communal spaces clean and secure. Additionally, you should be watchful for any potential trip or injury hazards, including slippery flooring and poorly lit staircases.
5. Check that Crucial Systems are Operating at their Best
You are legally obligated to maintain the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems of the property. Additionally, confirm that any provided services, such as gas, are operating correctly.
6. Make any Necessary Repairs
You are responsible for keeping your properties safe and livable.
If you believe the tenant has caused damage to the property, you may charge them for any necessary repairs, in addition to the already unpaid rent.
However, if the damages are a result of normal wear and tear, then you must cover the costs.
Tenants Responsibilities for Property Maintenance
Tenants are aware that landlords are required to maintain rental homes to some extent, but they may not be aware of their legal maintenance obligations under landlord-tenant law.
In order to help keep the property well-maintained, a tenant should:
1. Ensure the Apartment is Free from Sanitary Hazards
The tenant is responsible for maintaining the apartment's cleanliness and sanitary conditions. This includes correctly disposing of trash and preventing its accumulation in the unit.
2. Adhere to State, Federal and Local Building and Housing Codes
Tenants are obligated to comply with all relevant building and housing law. For instance, when there is a notarized lease for two people, nobody else should be residing in the property.
3. Be Respectful of the Rental
It's a tenants responsibility to treat the property with care, ensuring that it stays clean and well-kept. Tenants must also avoid causing property damage as a result of neglect or abuse.
4. Prevent Mold Growth
Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit from becoming overly damp, which could encourage the growth of mold. To stop mold from growing, it might be necessary to leave the bathroom fan on all the time or open the window while taking a shower.
When signs of mold are present, tenants must report the issue right away to the landlord.
Closing Thoughts
As a landlord, you may not disregard your duty to maintain your rental property. Neglecting your responsibility to maintain your units may have a negative financial or legal impact.
The best course of action would be to work with a competent property management company who knows the rental industry and the federal, state, and local law.
Working with the best local property management company can help you manage your rental properties and safeguard your real estate investment as an Arizona landlord. If you work with Paramount Management and Realty, you won't have to worry about a lot of landlord responsibilities, including regular maintenance.
As a full-service property management firm, our goal is to relieve you of that worry and increase the rental income from your properties so you can concentrate on what's most important. Our service can be useful whether you own a single-family home, a multi-family home, an apartment, or any other kind of property.
Reach out to us today.
