Imagine that you're a new landlord and your property's a mess. The grass is overgrown, the trash is piling up, and the appliances are all leaking.
You didn't start this venture to become a maintenance worker, but new issues keep appearing. You need help, but one of your greatest resources is already with you. They're required to help you keep the property in a habitable state.
Read on to learn about a tenant's legal and optional property maintenance responsibilities.
Legal Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants are responsible for any minor repairs and maintenance tasks. What counts as "minor" is subjective but could include:
- Maintaining their lawn or garden
- Replacing lightbulbs
- Preventing pests and mold buildup
- Disposing of trash
Tenants must inform the landlord of any larger repair or maintenance issues before they become a massive problem. They need to provide clear access to the property. Landlords must also provide 24-hour notice before entering for anything other than an emergency.
Optional Tenant Responsibilities
You can't create a lease agreement that forces tenants to conduct property maintenance tasks that are your responsibility. You can't make them perform major repairs for issues that aren't their fault.
You can ask tenants to perform minor property maintenance tasks in exchange for reduced rent. These may include:
- Changing HVAC filters and cleaning the unit
- Cutting the grass
- Shoveling snow
- Raking leaves
These tasks may seem small, but they add up. Even the smallest bit of help with property maintenance will be a major relief. The reduced rent can incentivize tenants to renew their lease. It does come with the risk of liability if they injure themselves such as if they slip and fall on ice while shoveling snow.
How to Communicate Their Responsibilities
The rules about maintenance should be laid out in every tenancy agreement you create. Make it clear what they're responsible for and what you'll cover. Go over the agreement with them and let them know how they can contact you.
Include a clause about any optional responsibilities and what the tenant will receive for them. These clear expectations help avoid future disputes that could grow into lawsuits.
What If a Tenant Doesn't Fulfill Their Responsibilities?
When a tenant has a disorderly unit, try to treat them like a loving parent. Don't go in and yell at them to clean their room. Instead, let them know about how they can improve and give them time.
You may need to take further action if they continue. Give them a formal, private warning.
Starting the eviction process should be a last resort. It's a complex and time-consuming effort that you should take every possible step to avoid. It may be necessary if they continually fail to meet their responsibilities or endanger the health and safety of others.
Who Can Help With My Landlord Responsibilities?
Property maintenance is one of a landlord's most daunting responsibilities. Tenants have to pitch in by handling minor repairs and notifying them of issues. They can also help with optional tasks in exchange for lower rent.
Key PA Property Management is a full-service real estate asset management company. We use state-of-the-art technology to provide you with up-to-date insights into your property. Get a free rental analysis to see how a property manager can help you maximize your investment today.
