This week in our Tips for Renters series, we take a look at some of the essential rights and responsibilities that you take on when entering into a legal relationship with a landlord. Exciting stuff, we know, but important nonetheless! Being aware of what your legal responsibilities are as a tenant could save you some stress (and hopefully some money) in the long run.
The Right to Exclusive Possession
This is a fairly well known rule which basically means that while the landlord owns the property, as a tenant, you have the right to your own privacy and can deny your landlord entry. The landlord may give you 24 hour notice of their intent to enter, however, if they choose to exercise this right at an unreasonable time (late at night/early in the morning) or abuse it to simply do some snooping you may refuse. Be careful though, landlords have their own set of rights and responsibilities as well, and denying them entry without a good reason when they have given you notice runs the risk of crossing the line and creating a very unpleasant (and potentially illegal) situation.
The Right to a Habitable Home
Another basic right that many people OUGHT to know but can be overlooked if you get put in a tight spot and have to make a move on short notice. Essentially this means that the property itself MUST be safe, sanitary (no creepy crawlers), have proper wiring, plumbing, heating, and weatherproofing. If ANY of these basic requirements are not met, you MUST inform the landlord immediately and they will be required to fix it. We all know how some landlords can be (re: flaky) so even if it’s just an uncovered electrical outlet you must keep on them about it. If they refuse to take care of it in a prompt manner, you may elect to repair it yourself. However…
Your Right to Maintain the Property
When making any sort of repair to the property, you must inform the landlord and provide them with documentation of all expenses (receipts, service bills, etc) if you wish to deduct the costs from your monthly rent. The law limits the time you have to wait before making the repair, the kinds of problems you are allowed to fix, and the amount of money you are allowed to spend so it’s always best to avoid this option is possible.
We hope you take the time to read over your rental agreement and do a thorough inspection whenever you choose to rent a new property. The experts here at Rancho Mesa can assist you with any questions you may so don’t hesitate to contact us!
Know of any handy legal tips for fellow renters? Leave a comment on our Facebook and let us know!
Soure: TenantScreeningBlog, HowStuffWorks