What Exactly is the Landlord Responsible for When it Comes to Property Maintenance?

Landlord

 by Dan Ferguson

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It’s a time-old debate: What exactly is the landlord responsible for when it comes to property maintenance and what responsibility falls upon the tenant? Each state has developed its own tenant laws in an effort to make the details more clear for both parties. California is one of the leading states in differentiating responsibilities between landlord and tenant, making a sure-fire way to know where you stand.

Landlord Responsibilities At-A-Glance

1. Habitability

The main responsibility of the landlord is to ensure that the rental remains habitable. This includes reliable heat and water, reasonable protection from criminal activities, and more. If these needs are not met, the tenant may enact their rights of withholding rent, breaking the lease, or pursuing legal action.

2. Notice of Entry

Although landlords may be the owners of the rental property, they and their representatives must give a 24-hour notice before entering the premises. This includes repairs or maintenance. However, there is an exception to this whenever there is an emergency situation that requires an immediate response. 

3. Visibility

The visibility aspect of a landlord refers to an adequate description of the leased premises and transparent terms on the rental agreement. This also leads to the availability of landlords to their tenants to report liability concerns, emergencies, and other property-related topics.

4. Collecting Rent and Other Administrative Duties

These responsibilities are the most known and understood by landlords. A landlord will collect rent as stated in the lease agreement while also taking care of taxes, various utilities, financials, and other administrative duties.

The Benefit of Ferguson Property Management

When you partner with Ferguson Property Management, we take the weight off your shoulders. We’re committed to a completely transparent process so that you’re in the loop every step of the way. Our extensive knowledge of landlord/tenant law has allowed us to craft a process that gives you and your tenants peace of mind.

  • We provide you with professional guidance to prepare and price your property for maximum results.
  • Simple fee structure with no hidden fees or extras.
  • No fees until your property rents.
  • We’ll coordinate the marketing of your home with professional signs, digital photography, listing your property on our site and other relevant rental sites.
  • We’ll show the property as often as is needed to find a qualified tenant.
  • Rigorous background screening means we’ll get you a well-qualified tenant.
  • Our exclusive AppScore applicant scoring system means we can place great tenants in your home.
  • We’ll negotiate, prepare, and enter into a Lease Agreement with tenants on your behalf, and complete a comprehensive Move-In Evaluation.
  • Check on your property with our online owner portal.
  • We’ll arrange for any necessary maintenance or repairs.
  • We collect rent, utility payments, and other fees for you and automatically deposit funds into your bank accounts.
  • We will serve all necessary notices to your tenants.