Legal Responsibilities of Being a Tenant or a Landlord
Posted by on Nov 19, 2018 in Blog, Real Estate Law
The act of renting a property is familiar to most people: one party owns and maintains a property, while the other pays regularly for the freedom to live there. Still, it is not uncommon to see inexperienced landlords and tenants alike make mistakes or incorrect assumptions when it comes to their respective roles. Before entering into such an agreement, always review the legal expectations of being a tenant or landlord in the rental property’s municipality. Keep reading for Heritage Law’s abridged guides to both tenant and landlord responsibilities.
TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES
There are many consequences of renting a property, many of which may be entered into unknowingly if you do not consult local laws that regulate tenant-landlord relationship. Treat the following list as a guideline, as it is only a short summary of commonly regulated tenant responsibilities.
- Promptly reporting emergencies/repairs to landlord;
- Avoiding illegal activity on the property;
- Obeying the signed rental agreement form;
- Taking responsibility for avoidable accidents and repairing any damages caused;
- Paying rent on time.
Remember: additional responsibilities may be included in a rental agreement– always read and review anything before you sign it.
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
Renting out a property may seem like a painless way to make extra income or subsidize your mortgage, but there are related duties and possible complications involved with being a landlord. Treat the following list as a guideline, as it is only a short summary of commonly regulated landlord responsibilities.
- Guaranteeing tenant access to vital utilities;
- Issuing your tenant(s) legally-required notice before entering the property;
- Avoiding unnecessary intrusions and limiting your presence;
- Keeping the property in liveable standard according to local building codes as well as health and safety standards;
- Upkeep and maintenance of any and all common areas.
Remember: you may be accountable for other tasks not clearly stated in the rental agreement or existing regulations. If you plan on acting as a landlord, it may be helpful to seek legal guidance.
Whether you are a landlord or a renter, there are serious ramifications on either side if you do not fulfill your legal obligations. Failing to meet these requirements can often be inconvenient and costly, so contact or visit Heritage Law today for a consultation that could save you time, money and heartache related to a rental property.
