What is renter/landlord responsible for?

[Anthony A.]

Hi, I’d like to I know what should the renter be responsible for when renting a house? For example the landscaping, the oil, obviously the coned and cable will be the renters responsibility but was really interested in the landscaping and making sure there is enough oil to run the heat and hot water, please let me know what you think? I was also interested in who would be responsible for the yearly maintenance on the air conditioning system and boiler? Thank you!!!

[Nathan Gesner]

@Anthony A. The landlord is typically responsible for keeping the home operational and safe. This means you fix issues with the heat or electrical, you repair or replace appliances, etc. If your heat operates on oil, then you would normally require the tenant to provide that as a utility expense because it's a consumable product and they are the one consuming it. Electric, water, trash, and other consumables are normally treated the same. I agree with @James Wise that landscaping on a single-family home is typically a tenant responsibility and on multifamily properties I hire someone to maintain the landscaping because it is shared by all tenants. this is a judgement call because some tenants do not take good care of lawns so I have owners with nicer properties that include landscaping as part of the rent just to ensure it's done properly. Whatever you decide on, make sure the responsibilities are clearly delineated in your lease agreement.