Landlord Responsibilities, R&Rs, Drip Pans

[Art Maydan]

Hi Everyone,

I’ve got a few unrelated questions I was hoping to have answered:

• 1) It’s my understanding that it’s the tenant’s responsibility to change HVAC filters and carbon monoxide detector batteries every 6 months. Is that correct? If so, should I ask for some type of documentation that they did it? Or should I just peek at the filter whenever I come by?
• 2) What are my responsibilities as a landlord in case of an emergency? Say the house catches fire. Am I responsible for finding the tenants a hotel? Am I responsible for paying for it? Would the cost be covered by insurance?
• 3) Do you use any rules & regulations in addition to those in the standard lease? The standard lease basically says, “Don’t make noise and be a nuisance to the neighbors.” Fair enough. Do you add anything to that?
• 4) Are water heater drips pans always recommended? And if I have a water heater without a drip pan, do I need a plumber to install it?

Much appreciated!