Did you know Georgia has 19 evictions for every 100 renter households? Every eviction is a failure for both tenants and landlords.
And one of the biggest reasons for this breakdown is disputes over property maintenance. This is an essential aspect of owning and renting a property. Both landlords and tenants must understand their legal and optional responsibilities.
In this article, we will explore both the legal and optional maintenance responsibilities of landlords and tenants. This ensures that both parties are aware of their obligations.
Legal Maintenance Responsibilities for Landlords
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their properties are maintained to a reasonable standard. This includes keeping the structure of the building and its installations in good repair.
It also includes providing safe and functional facilities. This includes toilets, bathrooms, and cooking appliances. Keeping common areas safe and free from hazards is also key.
Making sure that the property complies with health and safety regulations is one of the most vital aspects of a landlord's maintenance responsibilities. This is in the interests of the landlord as well as the tenant in case they want to sell the house.
Legal Maintenance Responsibilities for Tenants
Tenants are also responsible for maintaining the property. They have many responsibilities. They must:
- Keep the property clean and tidy
- Report any repairs or maintenance issues to the landlord
- Not cause any damage to the property.
- Use the property in a reasonable manner
Failure to comply with any of these results can result in the tenant being evicted. A contract should be in place to specify this in greater detail.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance includes regular cleaning of the property. This includes cleaning gutters and drains. It also includes checking for leaks and maintaining appliances.
Preventative maintenance also helps to extend the lifespan of the property. By working together and fulfilling their respective responsibilities, both parties can ensure that the property remains in good condition.
Optional Maintenance Responsibilities for Landlords
Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the property to a certain standard. However, there are also additional maintenance tasks that they may choose to undertake to keep the property in good condition. These include:
- Painting and decorating the property
- Upgrading fixtures and fittings
- Installing new appliances
- Replacing carpets or flooring
The importance of a contract cannot be overstated. This covered any additional responsibilities. This is in addition to legal requirements both parties want to be enacted.
Optional Maintenance Responsibilities for Tenants
Tenants may also choose to take on additional maintenance responsibilities to keep the property in good condition. This could include:
- Landscaping and garden maintenance
- Cleaning the exterior of the property
- Replacing light bulbs and batteries
- Unblocking sinks and toilets
Property maintenance is a critical aspect of owning or renting a property. Both landlords and tenants must be aware of their legal and optional responsibilities.
Property Maintenance Is Important
Landlords must ensure that the property is maintained to a reasonable standard. It must comply with health and safety regulations. Equally, tenants must keep the property clean and tidy and report any repairs or maintenance issues promptly.
Additionally, both landlords and tenants may choose to take on additional maintenance tasks to keep the property in good condition. By understanding and fulfilling their maintenance responsibilities, both parties can ensure that the property remains in good condition for years to come.
For more on how we can assist you with property maintenance, be sure to contact us today.
