Landlord and tenant relationships need to be positive, professional, and respectful. In order to achieve cooperative partnerships with your tenants, you need to be clear about expectations and responsibilities.
Maintenance is generally the responsibility of the owner, especially when we’re talking about the major systems of your property as well as its safety and habitability. However, tenants have a part to play in protecting the condition of your Roseville rental home, too.
Specify who needs to do what in your lease agreement and make sure tenants are clear on what they need to do and what they can be sure you’re going to do as their landlord.
Which Maintenance Issues Should Roseville Landlords Manage?
The property owner is legally responsible for providing a rental home that’s ready to be occupied. During the course of a tenancy, if something breaks down and it’s not due to tenant damage, you will be responsible for making the repair or paying for the replacement.
Some of the most common maintenance repair responsibilities will include:
- Fixing toilets, sinks, and responding to plumbing issues and leaks.
- Responding to electrical issues such as outlets that don’t work.
- Problems with heating, cooling, and other HVAC issues.
- Appliances that aren’t working.
- Problems with doors, windows, handles, and locks.
You’ll have to respond to any emergencies, and even routine repairs must be made in a timely fashion.
As a landlord, you are also responsible for complying with state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and housing ordinances. This is more complex than it seems. The rental laws in California, including rent control, eviction, and fair housing laws are always changing.
Roseville Tenant Responsibilities in Rental Homes
While landlords are responsible for maintaining the home, you can expect your tenants to be responsible for keeping the home clean and free of trash, pests, and problems. Tenants can be required to change air filters and even take care of lawn care, as long as that’s stipulated in your lease.
Educate your tenants on how to make quick fixes so they don’t call you for things they can handle themselves. Breakers, for example, and garbage disposal resets can usually be managed by tenants without a service call.
Tenants must also be responsible for fixing what they damage. If the tenant’s child flushed a toy down the toilet, causing it to overflow, that’s a cost you can expect tenants to pay. If a window breaks because a tenant’s guest threw a ball into it, you can charge your tenants for the repair.
Perhaps the most important tenant responsibility is reporting repair needs to you right away. You don’t want any deferred or unreported damage to cause higher expenses for you. Make sure your residents understand the importance of telling you right away when something needs attention.
The repair reporting process should be easy; Roseville property managers typically have an online portal where tenants can make an electronic request. You can ask to receive the maintenance request via email if you’re managing it on your own. It will then be documented in writing, and tenants can be as detailed as possible, attaching photos if necessary.
Clear expectations and responsibilities lead to better tenant relationships, higher tenant retention, and an overall improved rental experience.
For help with any of the maintenance your Roseville rental property needs, please contact us at Action Properties.
