Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities

[Adam M.]

I know this varies by state, but I would love to hear how you guys manage your tenants maintenance responsibilities. Do you guys have a set list for each property or keep it really simple and have a general rule outlined in your leases?

[Marcia Maynard]

We outline the responsibilities in the rental agreement. Tenants in our single family homes must perform more tasks than tenants in our multifamily properties. The multifamily properties have common areas and shared facilities, so we do more at those properties, including all of the landscape maintenance.

We manage by making our written rental agreement as clear as we can, explain the rental agreement at the time of leasing, do periodic inspections, enforce the terms of the rental agreement as necessary.

Here are two general terms from our rental agreement. We also outline more specifics in our property rules (decorating, landscaping, arials/antennae/cable/dish, HVAC, pest management, drain stoppages, winterizing, etc). We don't want tenants using a hammer, screwdriver, glue, saw or drill on our properties. We also want them to take reasonable care of the property and to let us know when something needs attention.

MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES.Landlord will maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by Landlord in good working order.Landlord will perform periodic inspections of the premises, no less than once a year, for the purpose of property maintenance and repair.Landlord will notify Tenant in advance of the inspection. Tenant agrees to allow Landlord timely access to premises to do maintenance and repair.Tenant will notify Landlord in a timely manner of any damages or problems as they arise, including damages caused by Tenant, malfunction of appliances or fixtures, and water/moisture leaks and spots.Tenant will take care of the premises, keeping them clean and clear of debris. Tenant will use appliances and fixtures in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

ALTERATIONS. Tenant agrees to not do painting, wallpapering or structural modifications to the premises. Tenant agrees to not make alterations, changes or additions to plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, heating/cooling units, or locks. If Tenant wants to alter the premises in any manner, Tenant agrees to discuss this with Landlord prior to taking any action. All changes that Landlord and Tenant agree to must be in writing. All changes made by Tenant must be reversible and property must be restored to original condition at end of tenancy, unless other arrangements have been made with Landlord. Any alterations or additions made by Tenant become the property of Landlord when Tenant vacates. Tenant agrees to hold Landlord harmless for any mechanic’s liens or proceedings that result from Tenant actions. If Tenant alters the property without obtaining the necessary consent of Landlord, Tenant agrees to pay a penalty fee of fifty dollars ($50) per violation, plus restoration costs.