Owning a rental property can be a great source of passive income and a smart investment for your financial future. However, it’s important to remember that being a landlord also comes with many responsibilities.
Maintaining your rental property is essential to keep your tenants long-term and protect the value of your investment. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs, renovations, and even legal issues.
In this blog, we at Keyrenter Property Management BuxMont will explore tips on maintaining your rental property.
A Landlord’s Property Maintenance Responsibilities
As a landlord, one of your primary responsibilities is maintaining the rental property in good condition. Here are some of the maintenance responsibilities that every landlord should be aware of:
Supply Proper Trash Receptacles
Providing proper trash receptacles is not only a basic necessity for any rental property, but most local and state laws also require it. Landlords must supply their tenants with adequate trash bins and ensure they are regularly emptied to prevent health hazards or unsanitary conditions.
Provide Running Water
Landlords are responsible for providing tenants with hot and cold water. They must also repair any leaks or issues with the water supply promptly. Tenants have the right to access clean and safe water, so it’s crucial to ensure that the water supply is always in good condition.
Follow All Building Codes
Landlords are required to follow all local and state building codes and safety regulations. This includes ensuring that the property meets all structural and safety requirements, including having proper ventilation, working smoke detectors, and secure locks on all doors and windows.
Maintain Common Areas of the Property
Landlords must maintain the common areas of the rental property, such as hallways and staircases. This includes keeping them clean, well-lit, and in good condition. Regular cleaning, repairs, and maintenance will help keep your tenants safe and happy.
Perform Repairs
When tenants report any issues or maintenance problems, you must address them promptly. This includes repairing any damage to the property or appliances inside and outside the property.
Check Vital Services
Landlords must ensure that all vital services are working, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electricity. This includes ensuring that all appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, are in good working condition. Tenants rely on these services to live comfortably, and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to ensure they function correctly.
Tenant’s Property Maintenance Responsibilities
While it’s the landlord’s job to ensure that the property is habitable and safe, tenants also have a role in maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. Here are the legal ways tenants are required to help with property maintenance:
Keep the Unit Free From Sanitary Hazards
Tenants are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary living space. This includes cleaning up after themselves, disposing of garbage properly, and preventing pest infestations. If there are any existing sanitary hazards in the unit, such as mold, pests, or leaks, tenants must notify their landlord as soon as possible to address the issue.
Keep the Unit Free From Safety Hazards
Tenants must ensure that their living space is free from safety hazards. This includes keeping the space clear of clutter and tripping hazards, maintaining smoke detectors, and reporting any safety hazards to the landlord. Tenants should also avoid using faulty electrical equipment or leaving potentially flammable materials near heat sources.
Not Disturb Potential Lead Paint Hazards
If a property was built before 1978, there is a chance that lead-based paint was used. Tenants must prevent disturbing any lead paint by refraining from any unapproved property alterations. If tenants notice any peeling or chipping paint, they should notify their landlord immediately.
Prevent Mold Growth
Tenants can help prevent mold growth by properly ventilating the space, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and reporting any leaks or moisture issues to the landlord. Tenants should also avoid leaving wet towels on the floor or not promptly reporting water damage.
Follow Building and Housing Codes
These codes are put in place to ensure that the property is safe and habitable. Examples of building and housing codes include requirements for installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, rules regarding the maximum occupancy rates, and regulations governing certain appliances. Tenants should familiarize themselves with the relevant codes and ensure they comply.
Being Respectful of the Property
When tenants sign a lease agreement, they agree to take care of the property they are renting. Tenants should not cause damage to the property or allow unauthorized persons to enter. They should also avoid behaviors that could be disruptive to neighbors, such as making excessive noise.
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures include sinks and toilets, and the tenant must keep these in good working order. This means not causing damage to them and reporting any issues to the landlord. Tenants should also avoid behaviors that could cause damage to the plumbing, such as pouring grease down the drain or flushing non-degradable items.
Landlord Supplied Appliances
If the landlord has supplied appliances such as a refrigerator or stove, the tenant is responsible for using them properly and reporting any issues to the landlord. Proper care and maintenance of appliances can help ensure they remain in good working order and that the tenant can enjoy the benefits of having these appliances provided.
Not Damage the Property
Tenants are required to take care not to cause intentional damage to the property. This means avoiding behaviors that could lead to damage, such as allowing pets to scratch or chew on surfaces, smoking indoors, or not properly cleaning up spills. Taking good care of the property is the best way to ensure a positive relationship between the tenant and the landlord.
Conclusion
Maintaining a rental property is a crucial aspect of being a successful landlord. Regular inspections, repairs, and updates can help ensure your property remains in good condition and attracts desirable tenants.
If you would like help managing your rentals, contact the team at Keyrenter BuxMont today!