subject: Who's Accountable For The Maintenance On A Rental Property [print this page] Who's Accountable For The Maintenance On A Rental Property
It may be a confusing issue regarding who's liable when it comes to maintenance on a rental property or residence. A frequent mistake by renters is to believe all maintenance is the responsibility of the renting broker and maintenance employees having said that this is usually far from the truth. In lots of cases the letting agent and maintenance employees are liable for maintaining the common areas as well as doing major repairs on the properties however the renter's do usually have some responsibilities. These responsibilities are usually outlined within the lease agreement and the renter definitely should familiarise himself with this document to validate his legal rights if a dispute occurs.
Tenant Obligations
Usually renter's have the responsibility of maintaining their residence along with the surrounding region. This could consist of the inside of the residence as well as deck or patio area. Nonetheless, upkeep of these areas relates to basic hygiene only and not problems for example painting or repairs to the exterior or the interior of the apartment structure or the residence appliances within the property.
Additionally, tenants are responsible for little repairs in their home. This may possibly include plunging a blocked toilet or changing a light bulb. Even so, if there are any obligations a tenant feels uncomfortable carrying out like changing a light bulb in a high location, the tenant really ought to speak to the maintenance staff for help.
Renter's also have a duty to demonstrate common courtesy to other renters by not intentionally damaging or otherwise marring public areas. This consists of criminal damage, littering too as failure to pick up after dogs. Tenants that do not adhere to these rules of frequent courtesy could possibly discover themselves subject to fines or other penalties according to the rental contract.
Lettings Agent Obligations
The leasing agent and maintenance staff are normally held responsible for major items for example repairs to the outside of the building, repairing property appliances which are not working as well as dealing with plumbing problems for instance leaky pipes. Additionally, the maintenance staff is responsible for intervening if the tenant is having trouble with public utilities. Problems such as no hot water or heating in the property ought to be addressed by the maintenance staff in conjunction with the public utilities company.
The letting agent and maintenance staff are also liable for maintaining the common areas. This may include keeping grassy areas maintained as well as other common areas looking clean and attractive.
In cases where the Rental Agent is not Taking Responsibility
As mentioned above, the leasing agent has certain obligations to perform tasks and address concerns and complaints by the renters. Even so, when the renting agent is not fulfilling these responsibilities it could create a harmful living environment for the renter. For example hot water is required to adequately wash dishes. This is why there must constantly be hot water to the property. Additionally, in substantially cold temperatures the inability to heat the property as a result of faulty utilities or windows which aren't properly sealed can produce a hazardous condition for any tenant.
Both of the examples mentioned above are situations where the tenant could possibly be put in a hazardous condition by the leasing agent's negligence. In these situations the tenant should contact the Department of Housing to figure out the suitable cause of action to take in such a scenario.
Sometimes the renter may be told that the alleged transgression by the leasing agent isn't actually his responsibility. However, in other circumstances the tenant could be informed that the actions of the rental agent are a serious violation of the rental agreement. In either case, the representative can offer info on how you are able to proceed to attain the desired results.
