Renting a property comes with various responsibilities-both for landlords and their tenants. While landlords are generally responsible for most of the property's upkeep, tenants also have property maintenance duties.
Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for a smooth renting experience. In this blog post, we will outline the basic legal maintenance duties of tenants and some optional tasks that can help maintain a positive relationship with the landlord. Let's get started.
Legal Maintenance Responsibilities
Firstly, tenants are legally required to keep the rental property clean and sanitary. This includes regular cleaning of the following:
- Floors
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Other living areas
Proper trash disposal is another legal responsibility for tenants. Garbage should be placed in the appropriate bins and taken out regularly according to local schedules. Leaving trash around the property can attract pests and cause hygiene issues.
If something breaks or needs repair, tenants must inform the landlord or property manager as soon as possible. This includes issues like plumbing leaks, broken windows, or malfunctioning appliances. Prompt reporting helps prevent further property damage and ensures timely repairs.
Also, tenants should avoid causing any damage to the property. This means using appliances and fixtures properly and not making unauthorized changes, such as painting walls or installing fixtures. Any damage caused by the tenant or their guests must be repaired at the tenant's expense, through the security deposit.
Optional Maintenance Responsibilities
While not legally required, taking care of minor repairs can be beneficial. Simple tasks like replacing light bulbs, tightening screws, or fixing small leaks can prevent bigger problems. Performing these small tasks can also show the landlord that the tenant is responsible and trustworthy.
If the rental property includes a yard, tenants might take on basic yard maintenance. This could include mowing the lawn, watering plants, and removing weeds. Even if it's not required by the lease, keeping the yard tidy can enhance the property's appearance and be appreciated by the landlord.
Taking preventive measures can save both the tenant and landlord time and money. Examples include using drain strainers to prevent clogs, cleaning gutters if accessible, and ensuring that appliances are used correctly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Engaging in seasonal maintenance activities can also be helpful. This might involve checking smoke detector batteries, sealing windows and doors before winter, or cleaning air conditioner filters. These tasks ensure the property remains in good condition throughout the year.
Property Maintenance Tasks for Tenants
The bottom line is that fulfilling both legal and optional property maintenance responsibilities as a tenant can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable renting experience.
Keeping the property clean, disposing of trash properly, reporting repairs promptly, and avoiding damage are essential duties. Additionally, performing minor repairs, maintaining the yard, taking preventive measures, and engaging in seasonal maintenance can further enhance the living environment and foster a good relationship with the landlord.
For landlords seeking professional help, PMI Phoenix Metro is a leading property management company in Phoenix and surrounding communities. With close to 20 years of experience, we offer full-service property management to help landlords maintain their properties and ensure tenant satisfaction. Contact us to learn how we can assist you.
