When you sign a lease, it’s easy to think your only job is to pay rent on time and enjoy your new space. But being a tenant comes with more responsibilities than you might realize. While landlords are responsible for keeping the property habitable and addressing major repairs, tenants also play an important role in maintaining the property and adhering to certain rules. Some of these obligations aren’t always obvious, and your landlord might not go out of their way to explain them.
To help you stay in the know and avoid potential disputes, here are a few lesser-known tenant responsibilities you should keep in mind.
1. Keeping the Property Clean and Maintained
Did you know that as a tenant, you’re typically responsible for maintaining a certain level of cleanliness and upkeep in the rental property? While landlords handle big repairs and structural issues, tenants are often required to handle smaller, routine maintenance tasks.
For example, keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean helps prevent pests or mold buildup, which can escalate into large (and costly) problems. Similarly, tenants might be responsible for replacing lightbulbs, clearing clogged drains, and even mowing the lawn or shoveling snow if these duties are outlined in the lease. Failing to maintain the property could lead to fines or even deductions from your security deposit when you move out.
2. Adhering to Noise and Nuisance Rules
Even if your landlord didn’t hand you a detailed rundown of noise rules, you’re still obligated to respect them. Many rental agreements include clauses about maintaining reasonable noise levels so as not to disturb your neighbors. Blasting music at midnight or hosting loud parties could land you in hot water, especially in apartment complexes or shared housing.
Staying mindful of quiet hours, which are often between 10 PM and 7 AM, can go a long way in fostering good relationships with your neighbors and keeping you on your landlord’s good side.
3. Promptly Reporting Any Repairs
You might assume that your landlord knows when something in the property isn’t functioning properly, but they don’t live there, you do. It’s your responsibility to notify them of any repairs needed or damages that occur during your tenancy. While some damages might seem small, neglecting them can lead to bigger issues.
The key is to communicate clearly and in writing, whether it’s through email, text, or a maintenance portal. That way, you have a record showing you did your part to flag the problem.
4. Following Specific Lease Rules
When you sign your lease, you’re agreeing to abide by all the terms outlined in it, even the ones you might not have fully read. Leases often include clauses about seemingly minor things, such as whether you’re allowed to paint the walls, have pets, or modify the property in any way.
Violating these rules, even unintentionally, could lead to penalties or even eviction in serious cases. For example, installing a satellite dish without permission, adopting a pet in a no-pet policy unit, or subletting your apartment without approval could create conflicts with your landlord. Always go back to the lease agreement if you’re unsure about what’s allowed.
5. Properly Disposing of Trash
This might seem obvious, but not all tenants realize they’re responsible for managing their household trash according to local or property-specific regulations. Failure to follow trash disposal rules can lead to hefty fines, especially in communities with strict waste management policies.
For instance, some properties require tenants to separate recyclables from general waste or to place garbage out for collection on specific days. Leaving trash in common areas or disposing of it improperly could create friction with both neighbors and your landlord.
Conclusion
Understanding and following these lesser-known tenant responsibilities isn’t just about avoiding trouble with your landlord. It’s also about fostering a positive rental experience and maintaining trust. When tenants take care of the small details, landlords are more likely to address larger issues quickly and cooperate when problems arise.