All Landlords have a number of responsibilities to their tenants. Landlording is a full-time occupation, and it can more effort than many assume. There can be multiple roles to fill, and it does tend to get fairly demanding at times. There is also an element of unpredictability, which means that a landlord must always remain prepared. Finding out more information about these responsibilities can be helpful for those seeking tips for renting a house for the first time. As a landlord, here are some of the key responsibilities to take into account.
Responsibility to Manage Security Deposit
There are specific laws and regulations that govern security deposits. These deposits are kept by the landlord and are held as a way to cover costs in case of failed rent payments or damage caused by the tenant. California security deposit laws state that a landlord must return the security deposit in full within 21 days of them vacating the property.
Guaranteeing the Safety of Tenants
The landlord must ensure that the property meets state and federal safety codes and regulations. The landlord is directly responsible for providing a safe and liveable premises. There is a requirement for working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. All common areas, such as hallways, must be kept free from any hazards. All landlords have a direct responsibility to ensure that the living environment is kept safe and comfortable at all times.
Obligations of Disclosure
All landlords have an obligation to disclose specific information about the property owner to the tenant. The person signing the lease agreement must provide the names and address of anyone that has the legal power to manage the building and to collect rent. This should be made available before the tenancy starts. Disclosure is important since these contact details make it clear for the tenant to know who to contact in case of any issues. Aside from the required disclosure, it is important for the landlord to provide the correct contact details, depending on the issue. For example, the person responsible for collecting rent may not be the outright owner of the property.
Repair & Maintenance Responsibilities
The landlord has a duty to conduct essential repairs and to regularly maintain the property so that it is clean, safe, and livable for the tenant. All state building codes must be adhered to. Electricity and heat must be kept in working order, and emergency repairs should be done if these services become damaged. A constant supply of clean running water must be available in the property. Repairs must be completed to ensure a safe living situation. This includes promptly fixing things such as peeling paint, clogged drains/gutters, and other devices that develop faults. Often, resolving these issues quickly will be less expensive than tending to them later when the problem may become more serious. The tenant should not have to wait for a significant period of time for essential repairs to be completed.
Refund
Third Power Properties collects rent on behalf of Property Owner: Rent is transferred to the Property Owner. Tenant shall pay the Base Rent for the premises provided herein without deduction. Rent not paid when due shall bear the late fees as stated in the lease. There are no refunds on rent. If there is a mutually agreed upon credit due, between Property Owner and Tenant, the Landlord will issue a separate refund check. No amounts are to be deducted from rent.
Legal Responsibilities
There are also a set of legal responsibilities that a landlord must abide by. The Fair Housing Act protects tenants from being discriminated against. It means that landlords cannot discriminate tenants on the grounds of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, and family status. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that their listings do not violate this act. The Fair Credit Reporting Act means that the landlord is responsible for keeping rental applications securely to ensure privacy. All sensitive data must be handled appropriately. If background checks are being done, they must first be consented to by the applicant.
Landlords can also be held legally responsible for certain things that their tenants may do to disrupt neighbors. Noise issues, drug activity, and criminal activity on the premise can lead to the landlord being held responsible. Any issues should be resolved directly with the tenant. It can be a good idea for the landlord to personally know the neighbors and attain contact details. This will allow neighbors to report any potentially disruptive behavior directly to the landlord.
It is important for renters to understand which responsibilities a landlord must take care of. When considering questions to ask before renting a house, they should consider finding out more about how the landlord manages these essential responsibilities. For many landlords, it can be far more convenient to hire a professional property management team to take care of things. Third Power Properties are dedicated to providing an excellent service that takes care of tenants and gives landlords extra peace of mind. We also help renters find their dream properties. Contact us on 310.684.3583 or send us an email to info(at)thirdpowerproperties(dotted)com.
