Landlord Responsibilities 101

Before any residents move in, a landlord must ensure the property complies with local health and safety codes. Properties may also have to comply with national regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act, depending on the age and location of the building.

Confirm the dwelling unit's structural integrity and make sure it has adequate protection from the weather. Your property must have the following to be ready for habitation:

• Working faucets with hot and cold running water
• Reliable source of electricity and functioning outlets
• Working locks on all doors and windows
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Roof intact and free of leaks

Safety obligations also include building security, like installing deadbolts on doors and providing exterior lights. In some states, installing window security bars or other safety products may be required if your resident requests them. Check the state and local codes in your area.

Maintaining and repairing the property is necessary to protect your investment. It’s also a responsibility owed to your renters. Resolve any issues with plumbing, electricity, HVAC or the appliances as quickly as you can. Renters are responsible for informing you when maintenance is needed and for minor repairs, like fixing items they’ve broken.

Between renters, a landlord must also repair any wear and tear caused by the previous residents. "Normal wear and tear" is defined as everyday use, such as turning door knobs or walking on carpets. Where residents can be charged for damages they caused, the property owner is responsible for the costs of wear and tear.

Landlord repair responsibilities include:

• Plumbing issues such as repairs to pipes and toilets
• Electrical issues such as fixing broken outlets
• Heating/HVAC repairs to broken furnaces and water heaters
• Problems with supplied equipment such as dishwashers and other appliances
• Visible mold
• Broken locks when the resident is not at fault

In addition, the property manager is responsible for the upkeep of all common areas. These include everything outside the resident's apartment door: parking lots, stairwells, elevators, laundry rooms, corridors between units and swimming pools.

You must provide reasonable notice, usually 24 hours, before you enter an apartment to make a repair, except during an emergency.

Pro Tip: Inspect the property condition before the resident’s move-in day. Take photos and keep detailed apartment turn checklists as records.

Renter responsibilities involve keeping the space sanitary and preserving the property's condition.

The resident can be held responsible for:

• Repairing damages caused by guests, family members or themselves, such as broken windows
• Discarding trash, which can lead to mold or pests if neglected
• Repairing or cleaning stains, odors or other damages from smoking in a non-smoking unit
• Replacing burned-out light bulbs
• Reporting maintenance issues in a timely fashion

You must provide working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but the resident must replace the batteries.

In most cases the landlord will be responsible for pest control. There can be exceptions. If the renters have a pet that causes a flea infestation or keep untidy conditions that attract rats or roaches, they may be charged for pest control.

Residents may be liable for the costs of unreported maintenance and repair needs. If the issue is left for an extended period and causes property damage, the property manager can hold the renters responsible.

Pro Tip: Use the lease agreement to clearly define the resident and landlord duties and avoid confusion.

Landlords and building managers have other responsibilities in addition to repairs and maintenance.

• Manage the security deposit and, after the resident has moved out, make sure the deposit is promptly returned.
• Disclose the owner of the property if it is other than the landlord.
• Deliver possession of the rental unit or ensure that it’s clean and unoccupied when the new renter moves in.
• Provide emergency contact information to the resident.
• Give advance notice before raising rent. Most states require a 30-day notice, although some require 45 or 60.
• Follow eviction laws if necessary.

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