Know Your Landlord Repair Responsibilities

It's essential to understand your repair responsibility to ensure your rental property is well-maintained and address issues promptly.

Below we'll look at some everyday landlord repair responsibilities. We'll find out when you should handle paying for repairs and what happens if a property owner fails to uphold this part of the agreement. 

A Landlord's Maintenance Responsibilities

Property and maintenance managers have specific maintenance responsibilities to guarantee their property is safe. These responsibilities may vary depending on local and state laws.

Keeping The Unit Livable And Safe

It's your responsibility to maintain the structural integrity of the property. You should also address any health and safety hazards. This includes complying with local building codes and regulations.

Repairing Structural And Mechanical Systems

You are responsible for repairing and maintaining the mechanical systems of the property. These are the foundation, walls, roof, plumbing fixtures, and electrical, heating, and cooling systems. 

Maintaining Common Areas

Your property might have common areas like hallways, staircases, or outdoor spaces. You must inspect, maintain, and repair these areas regularly. 

Providing Adequate Utilities

You are responsible for ensuring your property has adequate utilities. These include water, electricity, and heating. You must address utility-related issues to ensure your residents can access vital services.

Complying With State Laws And Regulations

You should follow all applicable state laws, regulations, and building codes related to maintenance and necessary repairs. This includes obtaining premises permits, scheduling inspections, and any required procedures or guidelines.

Remember, the common maintenance responsibilities of an owner may vary depending on the following:

• local laws
• lease agreement terms, and
• the type of rental property

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the applicable laws in your area. Doing so will ensure you meet your maintenance and repair tasks as an owner of a property.

Always Check The Lease Agreement

The lease agreement should outline the resident's and your landlord's maintenance duties. Read and understand the agreement before signing it to avoid any misunderstandings.

If there are unclear clauses, seek clarification. Be proactive and understand who handles what repairs and maintenance on your property.

When Is A Landlord Responsible For Paying For Repairs?

In most states, property managers pay for necessary repairs to maintain the property's habitability. This includes repairs caused by normal wear and tear or necessary to address issues affecting the residents' health and safety.

Some examples of major repairs that property managers and owners are responsible for paying include:

Health And Safety Repairs

Property managers address health and safety issues not caused by the resident's actions. This can include repairs related to:

• Mold
• Pest infestations
• Dangerous conditions, or
• Problems that could affect the health and safety of the residents.

Structural Repairs

Property managers are responsible for major repairs to the property's structural elements. The foundation, walls, roof, and structural systems are some examples. These repairs are necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the property.

Plumbing And Electrical Repairs

Property owners maintain the plumbing and electrical systems in the property. This includes:

• Repairing or replacing faulty pipes
• Fixtures
• Wiring outlets, and
• Other facilities of the plumbing and electrical systems

Heating And Cooling Repairs

Property owners also ensure the properties' heating and cooling systems are working. This includes repairing or replacing furnaces, air conditioning units, and other systems for heating and cooling.

Common Area Repairs

A rental property might have common areas like hallways, staircases, or outdoor spaces. Property managers are responsible for maintaining and repairing to look and function pristinely.

When Should Residents Pay For Repairs?

Residents may be responsible for certain repairs to the property. Generally, residents are responsible for the following:

Routine Maintenance

Residents are responsible for routine maintenance tasks of normal wear and tear or day-to-day living. These include replacing light bulbs, unclogging drains, and replacing batteries in smoke detectors.

Damages Caused By Resident's Negligence Or Misconduct

Residents or their guests might cause damages to the property due to negligence or misconduct. In this case, they may be responsible for fixing things if they damage fixtures or appliances.

Unauthorized Alterations Or Additions

Making unauthorized alterations to the property without permission from the property manager may make residents responsible for repairing or restoring the property to its original condition.

Failure To Report Repairs Timely

Residents are responsible for reporting any maintenance requests or repair needs to the property manager. If they fail to report repairs in a timely manner, the damages may worsen. In this case, they may be responsible for the extra costs associated with the delay.

Cosmetic Repairs

Residents may make minor repairs to the appearance or habitability of the property. These repairs are usually optional, such as cosmetic changes or upgrades. In these cases, residents foot the bill.

What Happens If A Landlord Fails To Uphold The Standards?

When property managers don't uphold the standards of their responsibilities, residents may have legal rights and options for recourse. Here are some potential steps residents can take:

Notify Landlord Promptly In Writing

A property owner may fail to address repairs on time. Thus, residents should document the issues in writing. They should also provide a written notice to the property owner or manager.

This notice should do the following:

• State the problem
• State the date the issue was reported, and
• Request for repairs completed within a reasonable time frame

Follow Legal Procedures

In some jurisdictions, residents must follow specific legal procedures to address the property manager's failure to uphold maintenance standards. This includes filing a complaint with a relevant government agency. It can be a housing department or building code enforcement.

Residents can also withhold rent or repair and deduct the costs from the rent.

Seek Legal Advice

Occupants may seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law. An attorney can guide on the rights available in their jurisdiction. They can also help residents understand their rights and options for recourse.

Escalate The Issue

In some cases, property managers may continue to neglect their responsibilities. Residents may now consider escalating the issue by contacting a higher authority. A property management company or local housing authority can enforce the repair and maintenance standards.

End The Lease Or Seek Compensation

In some cases, residents may stop the rental agreement without penalty. They can also seek compensation for damages, inconvenience, or loss of habitability if the property manager refuses to uphold the maintenance standards. 

Simplify Rental Property Inspections With RentCheck

As a property manager, it's essential to understand your rights and the responsibilities of repairs and maintenance. If you are facing issues with your rental property inspections, RentCheck can help simplify property inspections and ensure that the property remains easy to manage.

With RentCheck, you can easily document and report issues, and keep track of the status of repairs, all in one place. Sign up for free and start using RentCheck to protect your residents and ensure that your rental property is safe and well-maintained.

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