Essential Duties Of A Landlord

Just as a tenant has to follow the dictates of his / her landlord, so must every landlord in the property rental business adhere to a certain code of conduct, including state laws and regulations.

A landlord is responsible for:

1. Ensuring his / her rental property is maintained as per state and local housing codes
2. The rental property has heating, electricity, including running hot and cold water.
3. Unless, otherwise agreed to in the lease, a landlord must also provide responsible means for garbage disposal.
4. All doors of the rental unit must come provided with locks and keys, while all windows should be equipped with window latches.
5. The property should be free of insect infestations through adequate pest control measures.
6. A landlord is also required to make all necessary repairs to keep the rental property in the same condition, as when the tenant moved in.
7. As well, a landlord must maintain all appliances in his / her apartment in working condition, unless they belong to the tenant, or the lease says otherwise.
8. State law requires all rental property to be equipped with smoke detectors that are in good working condition.

A Tenant’s Right To Privacy

A landlord must respect a tenant’s right to privacy. He / she must always arrange beforehand, if access is required for inspection of the unit for the purpose of carrying out repairs. In case, a tenant is moving out, again the landlord must have a tenant’s prior permission for showing the rental unit to prospective tenants. A landlord cannot enter a tenant’s premises without proper notification, of at least a minimum of 24-hours in most states, before he / she can enter a tenant’s apartment. However, if it is an emergency, such as, a flooded bathroom or a kitchen fire, no notice is required. But, a landlord must remember entering a tenant’s apartment without notice can amount to criminal trespass in some states.

Landlords, should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting a lease, and must take all necessary precautions, such as, screening tenants and conducting background checks on prospective tenants, including ensuring all promises in the rental lease are adhered to, as their insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!