subject: Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants [print this page] Responsibilities Of Landlords And Tenants
There have been many disputes over the years between landlords and tenants over a number of issues. Some have turned quite ugly and ended up in court. If you don't want to be counted among them you need to get a copy of the rights of tenants and landlords. A tenant has an obligation to care for the grounds, keeping them neat and tidy, and for keeping the home clean and free from damage. The landlord has the responsibility for giving all the keys to the home to the tenant, and in return the tenant must ensure they are returned at the end of the lease when leaving.Although each tenant must be supplied with entry door keys, there only has to be one set of keys for the rest of the home. Many couples both work and leave and arrive home at different times of the day, so this makes it necessary to have the extra keys. If a tenant feels there are keys missing, then they should approach the property management for them. Each lock in the home should have the appropriate key supplied for it. Keys for garages, lawn lockers and any other sheds on the property also need to be given to the tenant. Sometimes for various reasons a tenant will wish to change locks. This can be an area of dispute, and cause bad relations between tenant and landlord. In the case of lost or stolen keys it makes sense to change locks for the purpose of home security and the property managers would most likely agree to protect the property from damage. This would be beneficial if the keys have been found or stolen by someone who would vandalize the property once they have acquired entry. If at any time the landlord is the one who wishes to change the locks, he is responsible for seeing that the tenant is provided with the keys for the locks that have been changed. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant will solve many problems and possible court actions. Locks and keys are an important issue where rental property is concerned. When leaving a rental property the tenant is required to hand in all the keys that have been issued when moving into the property. Not doing so could make them a suspect in any subsequent property damage. If both landlord and tenant accept and abide by their responsibilities in the area of locks and keys, it will make for a pleasant relationship.
