Rental properties can be a great investment, but only if they are well-maintained. Proper maintenance of your rental property can help keep it in good condition, avoid legal problems, and even increase its value.
In this article, we at Keyrenter Property Management Denver will discuss the importance of maintaining your rental property and offer some tips on how to do it effectively.
What is Landlord-Tenant Law?
Landlord-tenant law is a state-specific body of laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants, protecting the rights of both parties. Most states in the US have defined these laws separately.
These are a set of laws that clearly state a variety of factors including dispute resolution, rent control, regulations regarding security deposits, and so much more. Landlord-tenant law also lists various rights to protect both landlords and tenants. For instance, the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment, the right to repair, and the landlord’s right to evict a tenant who fails to abide by the terms of the lease.
A Landlord’s Responsibility to Maintain a Rental Property
By keeping your property in good condition, you can avoid many potential legal and financial problems. Your tenants are the people who will be living in your property, and they have a right to expect a certain standard of cleanliness and upkeep.
If you don’t maintain your property, you may find yourself with unhappy tenants who are more likely to move out – and property vacancies are one of the biggest financial drains on a landlord. Let’s look at some of the basic maintenance responsibilities you have as a landlord:
Keeping the Property in a Habitable Condition
You must keep the property in a livable condition. You can do so by making sure it’s structurally sound and free of pests. Further, the rental property should have working running water and electricity. The property must also meet any other basic standards set by the state or local government.
Making Repairs on Time
You must make sure that any repairs or maintenance tasks are carried out promptly. This not only shows your tenants that you care about their comfort and safety, but it also helps to prevent small problems from becoming big, and expensive, ones.
Before renting your property, make sure you do a complete maintenance check. This includes things like fixing a broken window or repairing a leaky roof. What’s more, if a tenant notifies you of maintenance issues, take swift action to repair them, and keep them in the loop.
Keeping the Rental Clean
Regular cleanings are essential. Your tenants should be able to expect a certain standard of cleanliness when they move in. It’s up to you to make sure that standard is met. You can, however, hire a professional cleaning service to come in on your behalf.
You must keep all common areas of the property safe and clean. This includes hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and laundry rooms.
Following Applicable Building, Safety, and Health Codes
A landlord must follow all applicable building, health, and safety codes. These codes set standards for things like fire safety, sanitation, and air quality. You should ensure that the property has adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities.
The Tenant’s Responsibility to Maintain a Rental Property
Even if they don’t own the property, it’s still in their best interest to keep it well-maintained. A well-maintained rental will help ensure that they get their security deposit back at the end of the tenancy.
So how show tenants go about maintaining the rental property? The following are a few key things to keep in mind:
Preventing any Safety Hazards
Tenants must prevent any safety hazards to make sure that the rental unit does not pose any safety risks. This means there should be no exposed wires, loose carpeting, or broken windows. If there are any safety hazards, the tenant must notify the landlord immediately. They must also ensure that they don’t block any exits with large furniture or other belongings.
Communicating During Routine Inspections
Checking for damage regularly is one of the most important things a landlord can do to maintain the rental property. This means checking things like the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors for any signs of wear and tear.
Tenants should notify landlords as soon as they spot an issue and also communicate during routine inspections.
Keeping the Rental Unit Clean
Keeping the property clean is another important step in maintaining the property. This means regular vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and scrubbing. It will also be easier to spot any potential damage if the area is already clean.
Disposing of Garbage on Time
It’s the tenant’s responsibility to follow certain hygiene measures. Tenants should put all garbage in the assigned bins and take them to the curb on a regular basis to prevent the presence of smells and pests. Further, tenants should also avoid disposing of hazardous materials such as paint or cleaners down the drain.
How Landlords and Tenants Can Resolve Disputes
It’s important for both landlords and tenants to understand their maintenance responsibilities. When disputes between landlords and tenants arise, try to resolve the issue informally before taking any legal action. The first step is to talk to the other party involved and try to come to an agreement. If you are unable to reach an agreement, you may want to consider mediation or arbitration.
Bottom Line
Landlords and tenants share the task of maintaining the rental property. When the property is in good repair, tenants are more likely to stay long-term protecting your recurring income.
If you’re a landlord in need of help, consider partnering with a trusted property management company. The team at Keyrenter Property Management Denver can help you maximize your ROI and ensure your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn about our services!