Tenants and landlords are responsible for different types of maintenance on rental homes. Achieving tenant satisfaction, cost control, and good communication are essential to determining who is accountable for property care.

In order to ensure responsibility, safety, and transparency, maintenance obligations between the landlord and tenant must be clearly stated in lease agreements. A living environment must include functional utilities, sound structural integrity, and routine maintenance in order to be safe and livable. The value of the property, compliance with the law, tenant retention, and satisfaction are all protected by regular upkeep.

A well-defined contract establishes a foundation that ensures timely maintenance, goodwill, and the long-term viability of the rental property. The routine maintenance activities differ based on the kind of rental property and the particular lease agreement.

General Upkeep

It is essential to maintain rental properties’ value, tenant satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Regular maintenance, which includes cleaning, repairs, and maintenance, preserves the state of the property and averts expensive problems.

Landlords and tenants share responsibility for the upkeep of rental property. Tenants are in charge of daily upkeep and minor repairs caused by regularly use, whereas landlords are in charge of the building’s structure and safety. This includes keeping the property tidy, replacing light bulbs, and notifying the landlord or property management promptly of any damages or issues.

Structural Repairs

The landlord of a rented property is accountable for structural repairs. The building’s stability, structural integrity, and important services like the water and electrical are all in need of repairs.

Ignoring structural problems may result in additional deterioration and put renters’ safety at risk. Preserving the property’s structural integrity preserves its value, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and attracts new tenants.

Appliance Maintenance and Repairs

Appliances including water heaters, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines are the landlord’s responsibility to keep in working order. Proper maintenance ensures the safety of tenants, prevents hazards, and reduces long-term repair expenses. Maintaining the property well increases its total worth and increases its marketability to potential tenants. As a result, vacancies are filled quicker and landlords have a more steady stream of income.

The law mandates that proprietors provide safe living conditions for their tenants. Proper maintenance enhances the overall renting experience and puts tenants at ease. Damage or accidents can be caused by broken appliances, which can also be hazardous and consume energy.

Plumbing and Electrical Repairs

Landlords are required to repair drainage and electrical issues in rental properties. The comfort of the tenant, the preservation of the property’s value, the avoidance of further damage, and the maintenance of the tenant’s contentment and loyalty all depend on these repairs.

Proper plumbing ensures a reliable water supply, effective drainage, and sanitation, while electrical systems provide adequate illumination, power, and the proper operation of appliances and technological devices. Regular upkeep and early repairs reduce hazards and accidents.

Proper maintenance also contributes to a more comfortable rental experience by providing tenants with consistent access to essential services and minimizing disruptions.

Pest Control

Pest control ensures a safe and sanitary living environment, maintains property value, and complies with health regulations. Some landowners in certain regions may be required by law to maintain pest-free, health-compliant properties.

The spread of pests to neighboring houses can be stopped with quick pest treatment. For a rental property to remain secure, cozy, and habitable, pest control is essential. In order to comply with legal requirements, landlords must take immediate action to eradicate pest infestations.

Day-to-Day Maintenance

Tenants are vital to maintaining a rental property’s condition through their regular responsibilities. Maintaining a healthy living environment and preventing problems from getting worse depend on routine cleaning, light bulb replacement, and minor issues.

Read Also: The Top Rental Amenities to Look for in a Property

These duties enhance tenants’ wellbeing and foster a strong landlord-tenant relationship, making renting a property a positive experience for everyone. By fulfilling these responsibilities, tenants contribute to a comfortable and productive living environment, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to their living space.

Reporting Issues

Not only is prompt reporting of issues with the rental property a tenant’s responsibility, but it is also a necessary action that contributes to the property’s overall health. By notifying landlords right away to address issues before they worsen, this prevents additional damage and guarantees a comfortable living environment. Fixing maintenance problems like leaking roofs, malfunctioning heaters, and plumbing issues makes a safe place to live and guarantees that landlords are following the law.

Building trust and nurturing a cooperative partnership requires landlords and tenants to communicate openly. Residents are less likely to experience disruptions as a result of prompt repairs, allowing them to enjoy their living environment uninterrupted by broken amenities or systems.

Positive landlord-tenant relationships and safety depend on clear accountability for rental property maintenance. Possessing a thorough comprehension of one’s responsibilities is essential to having positive renting experiences.

What Are the Renters Responsibilities?

Regular rental property maintenance and repairs will help to keep your property in good condition and help to avoid any significant maintenance issues.

Your renters need to notify you of any real damage to your rental property, but they are also responsible for certain forms of regular upkeep. It is the renter’s responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of their rented space. This includes:

• Regularly cleaning the interior of the rental property, such as kitchens and bathrooms
• Handling any spills or minor accidents immediately rather than encouraging long-term damage
• Keeping outdoor spaces tidy by avoiding leaving out trash to attract pests or other forms of messes.

Other requirements for the renter would include not deliberately causing damage to the property:

• Not removing or updating elements of the rental property in ways that are not permitted by the lease
• Not allowing someone in their residence to purposely or carelessly damage the rental property
• Properly using and caring for any heating or air conditioning units on the rental property
• Using the available electrical and plumbing correctly and safely.

What Additional Tasks Can I Ask a Renter to Do?

There are several rental property maintenance tasks that you may decide to have your renter take care of and can add to your lease agreement. These can be everyday small jobs that you feel confident that you or property management Charleston SC provides do not need to make the trip to oversee.

A few examples that your renters should be able to handle include:

• Fixing any minor damage they cause after informing the rental property owner or manager
• Lawn and yard maintenance including watering, mowing, or weeding
• Changing light bulbs in single-family homes
• Snow and ice removal.

These jobs can be cared for by the renter, but you or your property manager should regularly check to be sure the tasks are being done to your satisfaction. If a renter does not properly remove snow or ice and they are injured because of it, you as the property owner could be held liable. The North Charleston area rarely gets snow, but we do get ‘freak’ snowstorms once in a while, so it’s worth including it in your lease regardless.

Another option available to rental owners is to roll the costs of these upkeep tasks into your rent in the form of a hired service, such as professional landscaping that visits the property occasionally.

What Are the Most Common Tenant Responsibilities

In a rental home, who has the responsibility for a broken toilet? Landlords and tenants frequently argue about little things like a broken screen or big problems like bed bug infestations. What duties fall on the tenant? These are a few typical problems and maintenance requests from tenants.

While maintaining the property is primarily the responsibility of the tenant, there are some other things the tenant needs to know. Here are some of the most common tenant responsibilities:

• Pay rent on time
• Paying fees on any bounced checks
• Disposing of garbage in a timely manner
• Keep the rental unit clean and in good condition
• Keep noise level to an appropriate level
• Not taking in additional tenants without consulting with landlords
• Repair damage they caused to the rental unit by themselves or a guest of theirs
• Inform the landlord if there are problems in need of repair
• Maintaining a safe property and not causing hazards for other tenants
• Provide the landlord with notice if they are planning to move
• Allow the landlord permission to enter the property when given notice
• Inform the landlord if they will be away from the property for a long period of time, but will come back. This is common for military members on active duty
• Return keys to landlords upon final inspection

Leaks and Water Issues

If there is a water problem due to a leaking pipe or faucet, the responsibility to repair it will go to the landlord. If the water damage is caused by tenant issues such as allowing water to pool outside of the shower, causing water damage to the flooring and walls, the repairs fall to the tenant. Water issues are one of the largest problems facing property owners. Landlords are required by law to provide working fixtures and repair them as needed.

Tenants do have the obligation to follow through with daily maintenance. A basic clog in the sink or bathtub can be handled by the tenant. In many cases tenants forget to clean the drains, causing a blockage to occur. If tenants do end up with blocked pipes that will not drain, they need to contact the landlord immediately. A small blockage could be hair, or it could be something serious like tree roots in the pipes.

If tenants have blocked toilets due to misuse, they are liable for the repair and replacement of the toilet. Similar to other situations, most landlords are willing to work with tenants to pay for some of the cost. Clear and open communication is essential to tenant and landlord relationships.

Broken Appliances

Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances that are part of the property need to be repaired or replaced by the landlord. However, in some rental agreements, landlords do state that renters are liable for repairs and the landlord is only liable for the replacement of an appliance. Maintaining a cordial relationship with your tenants is the best way to ensure you can come to an agreement on the repair and replacement costs.

Since tenant and landlord agreements can become complex and confusing, we recommend working with a good property management company.

What Repairs are Landlords Responsible For?

A lease agreement should include a detailed description of the landlord’s repair obligations as well as any special features that may apply to a particular rental property. A landlord must carry out their obligations under the lease, unless a clause designating maintenance tasks is in conflict with the law.

Although each renting arrangement is different, landlords are often in charge of the following:

1. Fixing structural damage

A landlord is generally responsible for repairing damage to their rental property’s structural components, such as the foundation, walls, and roof.

Several types of structural damage can occur in a residential rental property, including the following:

• Foundation problems, such as cracks or settling, which can lead to issues with the stability of the structure
• Roof damage, such as leaks or missing shingles, can also cause structural issues and lead to water damage inside the home
• Termite or pest infestations, which can weaken the structure and cause damage to the framing and other wood components of the home
• Damage resulting from natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and severe weather

Of course, if a tenant or one of their guests causes structural damage, they should be liable for the repair costs. For example, suppose a tenant removes some shingles resulting in interior water damage. In this case, the landlord could most likely use the tenant’s damage deposit to cover the associated repair costs if the tenant doesn’t remedy the situation independently.

Ideally, tenants should inform their landlords of structural issues as soon as they become aware of them. This way, landlords can prevent further damage. Also, landlords must inspect their rental properties regularly to ensure they are structurally sound.

Landlords need to know that a tenant can’t be expected to pay for repairing structural damage if they didn’t cause it. As the owner, a landlord is responsible for repairing structural damage.

2. Maintaining heating, plumbing, and electrical systems

Landlords are responsible for the costs associated with repairing and maintaining their rental properties’ heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. These systems are essential for tenants’ safety and comfort, and landlords must ensure they are always in good working condition.

• Heating system: Landlords must ensure that a rental’s heating system (e.g., furnace, boiler, etc.) is in good working condition and is serviced and inspected regularly. They should also ensure that the vents and ducts are clean and free of obstructions and that the thermostat is working properly.
• Plumbing system: Plumbing includes the pipes, fixtures, and appliances that provide water to the property and remove waste. Landlords must ensure that the plumbing is free of leaks, clogs, and other issues. They should also ensure that the hot water heater and other appliances are in good working condition and that the water pressure is adequate.
• Electrical system: Landlords must pay for the maintenance of the wiring, circuits, and outlets that provide power to their rental properties. They must ensure that the wiring is in good condition and that there are no exposed wires or other hazards.

Landlords must repair these essential systems as soon as they know of any issues. Also, landlords must comply with local building codes and housing regulations regarding plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.

3. Preventing and remedying health hazards

A landlord’s responsibility for health hazards in a rental property can vary depending on the specific circumstances. Let’s take a look at two examples: mold and pest infestations.

When mold is present in a rental property, landlords must address the problem immediately and prevent it from spreading. Some states require landlords to comply with regulations regarding mold in rental properties. These regulations and laws may include specific penalties for failing to address mold issues.

However, landlords are not necessarily financially responsible for mold that tenants cause. For example, if a tenant does not correctly ventilate a bathroom and mold develops, they should be responsible for remedying it.

Like mold, the cause of a pest infestation can play a role in determining who is responsible for paying for extermination.

For example, if a bed bug infestation is caused by a landlord’s failure to maintain the property, such as failing to address a prior infestation or neglecting to address a known pest problem, then the landlord would typically be responsible for paying for extermination.

However, if the infestation is caused by the tenants, such as by bringing in infested furniture or not properly maintaining the unit, then the tenants would typically be responsible for paying for extermination.

4. Fixing appliances

When a landlord provides appliances in a rental suite, such as a stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, it’s normal for these items to require maintenance and repairs from time to time. If the problem with an appliance is caused by normal wear and tear, such as a refrigerator that stops working after several years of use, the landlord would typically be responsible for repairing or replacing it.

However, if a tenant’s misuse or neglect causes a problem, the tenant should typically pay for the repairs or replacement.