A good landlord will try to be straightforward about the rules that you need to follow, but there are some topics that may need clarification in your lease agreement.

Platinum Properties can help clear up discrepancies when it comes to responsibilities during your rental term.

 

Locks

Who’s responsible? Landlord.

  • Proper locks should be installed on both the doors and windows of a unit, including a deadbolt on the exterior door.
  • Keep in mind that landlords, however, are not required to change locks on doors between tenants.
  • This could be a huge safety concern since landlords don’t always get the keys back from previous tenants.
  • Make sure to get permission from your landlord if you’d like to install any new locks in your unit. Don’t forget to give them a copy of the keys!

 

Repairs

Who’s responsible? Both.

  • A basic guideline to follow – the landlord is pretty much responsible for any repairs that have to do with keeping the rental habitable.
  • You might be able to withhold or deduct from your rent payments if your landlord does not end up making the necessary repairs.
  • However, you are responsible for any damage caused by guests, pets, or yourself.
  • If your landlord makes repairs for damages that you are responsible for, they will be able to charge you for the expenses.

 

Cleaning

Who’s responsible? Tenant.

  • It’s likely that keeping up with a clean apartment is already outlined in the lease agreement.
  • You generally don’t want to create an environment that attracts bugs.
  • Your landlord might want to use your unit for a showing at some point – don’t give them a reason not to.
  • Although the landlord should clean the unit between tenants, they are actually not legally required to.

 

Trash

Who’s responsible? Tenant.

  • Did you ever hear your parents tell you to “clean up after yourself”?
  • Go green by keeping up with recycling.
  • Make sure to look into the city or district policy when it comes to curbside collection.
  • Talk to your landlord about the disposal of large items (couches, dressers, etc.) since those usually require an extra fee for collection.

 

Pest Control

Who’s responsible? Landlord.

  • Bed bugs, cockroaches, rats, termites, and other pests contribute to creating an uninhabitable place.
  • A landlord is required to disclose a history of infestation.
  • Make sure to notify your landlord ASAP if there are signs of pests.
  • If your landlord doesn’t properly and swiftly fix the problem, you can:

o   Break your lease

o   Withhold your rent or deduct the cost of exterminating expenses from your  rent payment

o   Sue your landlord for damages

 

Heating

Who’s responsible? Both.

  • If you’re the one actually paying for the heat bill, make sure you pay it on time.
  • Tenants must use heat adequately enough to keep the water pipes from freezing.
  • Most state codes require the temperature in an apartment to be at least 68 degrees during the colder months.
  • A landlord must fix a broken heater, hot water heater, and furnace.

 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

 

Who’s responsible? Both.

  • Landlords must install a sufficient amount of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Tenants must remember to replace low batteries.
  • It’s your responsibility to make sure the detectors are working properly.
  • Notify your landlord if any of the alarms are malfunctioning so repairs can be made.

 

Common Areas

Who’s responsible? Landlord.

  • Common areas include the lobby, elevators, stairwells, laundry room, and immediate outdoor areas.
  • These areas should all be clean and have sufficient lighting.
  • There must be easy access to fire and emergency exits.
  • Landlord should make sure all walkways are safe (i.e. broken handrail or step on a staircase).

 

Summary

If you think you are ready for the responsibilities listed above, one of our agents at Platinum can help you with your search for the perfect rental.

Browse our listings or call (212) 825-0050 to get started today!