Tenant Rights Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants have certain responsibilities in the rental unit. The biggest of which is to follow the terms of the lease agreement. The number one issue landlords face is rent collection. The tenant must pay their rent on time.
If you need RENTAL ASSISTANCE or already receive rental assistance, then learn more on Housing Vouchers and other programs including Section 8.

But what about my landlord, what is the landlord responsible for? For those answers, click here.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES

As a landlord, I can tell you other then paying your rent on time, please take care of the unit you are renting - keep it clean, don't leave garbage around the exterior and respect the neighbors. For Tenant Rights - find your state laws here.

Pay the rent on time. Failure to pay rent on time may result in late fees or the basis for eviction.

Keep the apartment and the surrounding area clean and in good condition. - Learn the difference between Normal Wear and Tear vs damages or abuse.

Maintain the smoke detector, fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector. While the landlord is responsible in most states for providing these, in most states the tenant is responsible for maintaining them. EVEN IF NOT, IT IS YOUR LIFE AT RISK. This means DO NOT REMOVE. REPLACE BATTERIES EVERY YEAR AND TEST. CONTACT THE LANDLORD IF THEY ARE MISSING OR NOT OPERATING.

Use common sense and good manners. Be aware of others.

Notify the landlord if you will be on an extended leave so the landlord may make sure the unit is secured and keep on eye on it. You must pay rent while are on leave.

Purchase Renters Insurance. The landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings.

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Respect the neighbors. Keep noise to a level that will not disturb them.

Repair any damage occurring to the apartment you or your guests have caused. Notify landlord at once of damages or dangers for repair. Put it writing if needed.

Give the landlord permission to enter the apartment at reasonable times and with advance notice (24 hours is common) to inspect or to make necessary repairs.

When moving out, give landlord proper advance notice. Read your lease agreement for the terms. To get back your security deposit, be sure to notify the landlord, in WRITING.

When you empty your personal trash, be sure it all goes where it belongs. If some of your trash falls on the ground, pick it up.

Do not move additional people in without landlord approval. It may violate fire codes and your lease.

Never sneak in a pet. It may violate your rental agreement and isn�t fair to the animal. More on Pets on RentLaw.com

When you move out be sure the apartment is in the same condition as when you moved in, less normal wear and tear. Return the key to the landlord promptly. This may effect your security deposit. See normal wear and tear.

- Use our FREE SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND REQUEST LETTER to request your refund and notify your landlord of your new address or an address to mail the security deposit to. See Security Deposits.