In the US, renting is a common way of securing housing when you don't have the means to buy property. At the beginning of 2021, around 43.32 million housing units were occupied by renters.
As a tenant, understanding your property maintenance can help foster a positive and cooperative relationship with your landlord. While landlords handle major repairs and upkeep, there are specific legal and optional maintenance duties that tenants should complete to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Do you know what they are?
Fortunately, this blog has you covered. Keep reading to learn three key legal and optional tenant maintenance duties that can contribute to harmonious tenant relations.
Regular Cleaning and Upkeep
One of the tenants' most basic (yet crucial) maintenance duties is regular cleaning and upkeep of the rental property. Even if it's not stated in the lease agreement, maintaining cleanliness and tidiness is a fundamental responsibility. This includes tasks such as:
- Vacuuming
- Mopping floors
- Dusting surfaces
- Keeping the kitchen and bathroom areas sanitary
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
- Taking out the trash
- Maintaining any pet areas
By keeping up with regular cleaning, tenants can prevent the accumulation of dirt, mold, and pests. This can help minimize property damage. A clean living space also promotes a healthier and more pleasant environment for all occupants.
Changing Filters and Light Bulbs
Regularly replacing air filters and light bulbs is a vital maintenance duty for tenants. Tenants should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and replace air filters in HVAC systems.
Typically, this is every 30 to 90 days. This is to
- Maintain air quality: Dirty air filters can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can lead to respiratory problems
- Reduce energy consumption: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which can make your HVAC system work harder and use more energy
- Prevent damage to the heating and cooling systems: A dirty air filter can also cause damage to your HVAC system by causing issues like overheating
Replacing burnt-out light bulbs is crucial for adequate lighting and property safety. While landlords usually provide the initial light bulbs, the tenant must replace them as needed after move-in.
Outdoor Maintenance and Yard Care
In rental properties with gardens, tenants may have the option or obligation to handle outdoor property maintenance. This can include tasks such as
- Mowing the lawn
- Watering plants
- Raking leaves
- Maintaining the general cleanliness of outdoor areas
While garden responsibilities vary depending on the lease agreement, tenants who take pride in their outdoor spaces often contribute to a more attractive property overall. Also, tenants should maintain their outdoor spaces to prevent overgrown vegetation. Do this to avoid attracting pests and violating housing codes.
Understand Your Property Maintenance Duties
Landlords are in charge of many property maintenance duties, but tenants also have an essential role to play. This includes keeping the place clean, changing filters and light bulbs, and caring for outdoor areas. When tenants do these tasks, it helps create a better living environment and shows they're working with their landlords.
Contact us today if you own Lafayette, Louisiana, investment properties and seek a professional and qualified property management company. At PMI Integrity Properties, we use state-of-the-art technology to manage your investments so you can have peace of mind.
