We talk to a lot of landlords who are confused about what they’re responsible for at a rental property and what the tenants are accountable for doing. Who pays the electric bill? Who mows the lawn?
It depends on your lease agreement and the expectations you’ve shared with your residents. Generally, landlords are responsible for providing a safe and habitable home while tenants are required to pay rent and keep the place clean and free of damage.
At Park Avenue Property Management, we have an open and transparent talk with our tenants before they move in. We want them to understand our expectations for how they’ll care for the property. Everyone needs to be on the same page if you want to have a good rental experience.
Typical Orlando Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants are responsible for paying rent on time and in accordance with your rent collection policy. They’re also responsible for paying any utilities and setting up accounts in their own name unless otherwise explained in the lease. In single-family homes, you can require your residents to care for the lawn or take care of the pool if you have one. Or, you can hire professionals to provide these services and then include the cost in your rental amount. When your rental property is in an HOA, your tenant must also follow any of the rules and regulations of that association.
While landlords are responsible for maintaining the home, you can expect your tenants to be tasked with taking care of minor things like changing air filters and replacing light bulbs. They are also responsible for fixing what they damage. If the tenant’s child breaks a window by throwing a baseball through it, the tenant is responsible for fixing it.
Make sure your lease agreement is clear on what the tenant is responsible for maintaining and when the tenant is responsible for repairs.
Typical Orlando Landlord Responsibilities
As a landlord, you’ll need to make sure the property is safe, secure, and ready to be occupied by your tenant. You’re also responsible for the general maintenance of the home, meaning it’s your money that will pay for things like heating systems, air conditioning, appliances, and all the plumbing and electricity in the home. You won’t necessarily be paying the electric bills and the water bills, but you do have to make sure there are outlets that provide electricity and faucets that deliver water.
You are also responsible for collecting rent, holding the tenant accountable to the lease terms, and following up on any maintenance or repair requests that your tenants make. You have to keep careful track of the security deposit and return it within the legal parameters at the end of the lease term.
Landlords are expected to understand all the local, state, and federal laws pertaining to a rental property. You cannot violate fair housing or rent control laws without risking court action and steep financial penalties. You’re often required to share with your residents what their legal rights are. Lead paint disclosures are required with the lease, for example.
Professional Orlando Property Management
Orlando landlords don’t always have the time to take care of their properties the way they should be managed and maintained. Working with an Orlando property management company, you’ll know that all those responsibilities that fall to the landlord are being taken care of on your behalf by professionals who have the time, focus, and experience to do these things effectively and efficiently. It’s a good investment, and if you have any questions about property management and how we can help, please contact us at Park Avenue Property Management.