What expenses am I obligated to pay as a landlord?

[Jayden Hamilton]

What expenses am I obligated to pay as a landlord, I have tenants that think I'm supposed to pay for everything that breaks, and "that's the purpose of them renting." What would they have to pay for, and what are things that I would actually have to pay for?

[Nathan Gesner]

You maintain everything in the property at your expense, unless the tenant was negligent. The exceptions would be consumables (light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, etc.) and things you've specifically said (in writing) that you will not maintain. For example, many Landlords leave a washer/dryer in the rental for tenant use but tenants are responsible for maintaining them if they break.

I see quite a few questions from you. It would probably be worth your while to purchase a book on the basics of managing rentals. There's a good one from Brandon in the BP bookstore or my personal favorite, "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO that includes your state-specific laws. IF you live in California, be sure to get the California edition.