The rental property market is quite competitive. It’s not enough to have a property in a prime location with easy access to amenities and services. It’s also crucial to look into the maintenance of the property throughout the year, keeping on top of it even if you're a long-distance landlord.
When renting out your property, keeping it in its best condition is a lot of work. You need to constantly inspect the property, see to its repairs, and also rely on dependable contractors to make repairs & renovations. In this article, Campus Connection will touch on the various responsibilities that landlords and tenants have in the maintenance of the property.
Landlord’s Responsibilities in the Maintenance of the Property
A landlord’s responsibilities are outlined in the Oregon Landlord-Tenant law. In addition, different areas may have additional responsibilities as provided for in county ordinances. We recommend that landlords read applicable laws to make sure that they are in compliance with the law.
Despite the varying provisions, below are some of the typical responsibilities of a landlord.
Supplying Garbage Receptacles
A tenant needs somewhere to put their garbage away. It’s your responsibility as the landlord to provide your tenants with trash bins. Depending on the size of the unit, you should provide the tenant(s) with an adequate size that matches their needs.
You might also be required to construct some form of enclosure to store the trash receptacles. This prevents the spread of the odor from the trash and keeps away rodents and other critters. As stated above, landlords should inform themselves on these laws.
The number of times that garbage is collected per week depends on local authorities or the HOA community guidelines, if applicable.
Supplying Water
Water is crucial for the smooth running and operation of any household. Each household needs to have running water in their kitchen sinks, water closets, and showers. Running water allows your tenants to care for the property, keeping it clean and free from any odors.
There is also the need for a water heater for every unit on each property.
Complying with Building Codes
Building codes are regulations set by either the county or city authorities that determine the design, form, and construction of a development. Compliance with building codes ensures that the unit is both habitable and safe.
These regulations and laws touch on structural integrity, electrical work, plumbing work, lead paint issues, and placement of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Maintaining Common Areas
It is your responsibility as the landlord to cater to the common areas. You must ensure that they are clean and well-lit. Don’t forget about reinforcing safety measures in the common areas. Consider installing anti-slip floor materials and also a strong banister for the staircases.
Tending to Repairs and Renovations
The tenant has a right referred to as ‘the implied warranty of habitability’. While it has many interpretations, it mandates the landlords to keep all elements of the property intact, safe, and in good condition. Should there be a repair needed on the property, it’s the responsibility of the landlord to see to it.
What if the repair of a property is from a tenant’s abuse of the property? Or neglect? The law provides that there is a difference between normal wear and tear vs. property abuse. The tenant should meet the cost of repairs if the cause for repair is property abuse.
Read up on the State’s provision on property wear and tear vs. property abuse and how the security deposit covers for this.
Tenant’s Responsibilities in the Maintenance of the Property
Many tenants are of the view that the maintenance of a property is solely the landlord’s responsibility. This is far from the case. A tenant also has some responsibility for caring for the property.
For the interest of your property, make sure that your tenant knows they’re responsible for the following:
Keeping the Property Free of Safety Hazards
It is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that all exits can be accessed easily in case of an emergency. They should also not tamper with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Having been supplied with trash receptacles, tenants must dispose of garbage and other waste frequently. They should not let garbage pile in the rental unit. This will create a health hazard not only for them but also for the neighbors and community.
Preventing Mold Growth
As the occupier, it’s the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that there is no mold growth in the property. Prolonged conditions of moisture in the rental units often lead to mold growth. The tenant needs to prevent this by opening windows, cleaning up water, or turning on the humidifier/ fan.
Should the tenant spot any mold or identify any signs of mold growth, they should alert the landlord immediately.
Complying with Building Codes
Given that every building is designed in a certain manner, the tenant is responsible to comply with the set provisions of the building codes. This pertains especially to the allowable person(s) allowed to live on the property. Additional people would lead to excessive wear and tear, a strain on the utilities, and difficulty in accessing the emergency exits.
Bottom Line
Now you understand the full extent of effort needed to keep your rental property in good condition. Your tenant also has a role to play in this. It would be in your best interest to rent to quality tenants who can comply with the terms and regulations of the lease agreement and the law.
Do you need more advice on how to maintain your rental property? Or are you looking for a reputable service provider to manage the daily needs of your rental unit? Campus Connection Property Management is here to help.
As the leading service provider in the region, we have decades of experience in managing property in the Springfield/ Eugene area. Our experts have the resources, and knowledge to make sure that your properties are well taken care of. Get in touch with us today.
