Who is responsible: tenant or landlord?

[Kurt Phillips]

I've just recently taken over managing my properties from a property manager only to find smoke alarms chirping and no furnace filters changed out.....ever.  I replaced batteries and filters in 2 units but I'm sure the rest of them have not been replaced either.

My question: do you guys charge your tenants for filters and batteries or simply expect them to take care of it themselves?  Yeah right!  Or do you simply count it as the cost of doing business and eat it?

[Todd Dexheimer]

When a new tenant moves in we show them how to change filters, batteries, light bulbs, tighten the p-traps, unclog drains, turn of water supply lines, etc. We then give them an instruction manual and are in the process of making videos. With that we give them 12 furnace filters, batteries, a zipper (the plastic drain cleaner). We also send out monthly emails in the winter as reminders to change furnace filters and check their detectors. We then stop by at the start of winter and then 3 months after that to check on filters and the house in general.