Landlord Obligations

What a landlord should keep in mind is, when a prospective tenant has been promised a clean, newly painted apartment before moving in, you must deliver the goods. It is quite possible, they would have gone elsewhere, but signed the rental agreement on being assured by you that they would be moving into a clean, freshly painted unit.

Your refusal to keep your word may see your tenants taking action by calling the health department and describing the unpainted, unclean conditions, which will be seen as genuine health risks, especially if deteriorating lead-based paint is involved.

As you must be aware, many states have reinforced laws for tenants, who have to put up with harmful conditions that landlords refuse to remedy. As well, it is legal for tenants to carry out repairs and later deduct the cost from the rent, or they may even withhold rent until the landlord has the place cleaned and necessary repairs carried out.

As for tenants, if a landlord makes such a promise, get it in writing before signing a rental agreement and moving in. On the other hand, it is far better to avoid renting a dirty place, as any landlord who shows such a unit to prospective tenants, proves he / she has no pride in the property, and is unlikely to maintain for the duration of the tenancy.

That apart, landlords should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting tenancy leases or rental agreements. They must also take all necessary precautions, such as, tenant screenings, background checks on prospective tenants, including making certain all rental lease clauses are adhered to, as 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 their tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!