What are my Tenant Responsibilities?
1. Pay your rent on time. Failure to pay your rent can lead to eviction.
2. Keep the home or apartment that you're renting in good shape.
3. If you are going to move out, give proper notice to your landlord under the terms of your agreement.
4. Never have more than the number of residents or visitors allowed by the lease.
5. When you decide to move out, make sure the apartment or home is in the same condition as it was when you moved in. Take pictures of the premises before and after you lived there. Make sure that dates are on the pictures for reference. Also make sure you return the key promptly.
6. Repair any damages that are caused by you or your guests.
7. Do not bring in any animals unless permitted by the lease agreement.
8. Allow your Landlord access to the property to make repairs (24 hours notice is sufficient).
These are the basic do's and don't for you as a tenant. You can use these as a working guideline. If you have followed these guidelines and are still having a problem with your landlord then seek a Landlord-Tenant Rights Attorney who is experienced with the rental laws in your state.
What are my Responsibilities as a Landlord?
While tenants have the obligation to pay rent on time and maintain the property in good condition, landlords have responsibilities, as well. In most states, landlords must:
1. Provide housing that compiles with all housing, health, and building codes.
2. Give the tenant at least 24 hours before entering the premises.
3. Make sure all plumbing and heating works correctly (hot and cold running water, bathroom and kitchen fixtures).
4. Notify tenants in writing of any problems.
5. Respond in a timely fashion to tenant's maintenance problems.
6. Give tenants written receipts for rent or deposits.
7. Take care of the property.
8. Follow all eviction laws if it becomes necessary to evict a tenant.
9. Give tenants complete contact information.
10. Provide tenants with emergency contact information for after hours.
11. Understand the difference between normal wear and tear for security deposit purposes.
12. Return the security deposit in a timely fashion, if final walk through has been done and approved.
Even when a landlord follows these guidelines, there are going to be problems that occur. Never take matters into your own hands. Contact a lawyer with expertise in Landlord Tenant law. Landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state, so it is important to hire an lawyer familiar with the law in the state in which the property is located.
For more information on Landlord-Tenant Law, please see our pages on Landlord Law, Leases, Rental Law, Renters Rights and Security Deposits.