Whether you own one or several rental properties, maintenance is an integral issue. Not only would you wish to supply a secure and positive rental experience for the tenants, but you want to comply with applicable housing legislation. While what a landlord has to do varies from location to place, generally laws require real estate owners and tenants to share in the responsibility of keeping different units and common areas. In California, beyond major issues, landlords and tenants will need to agree who’s accountable for what.
Know the law. In California, landlords should live until the”implied warranty of habitability.” The state Supreme Court ruled that owners of rental properties need to provide tenants with a safe and sanitary place to call home, notes the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Several significant maintenance areas are covered under the guarantee. You have to maintain the structural integrity of your building; supply safe and functioning electric, heating and plumbing systems; and provide suitable means for disposing of refuse.
Employ a building manager to oversee and facilitate repairs as they come up as well as regular maintenance. Some landlords may opt to do this themselves; however, if you own many properties, it can get overwhelming. Sometimes, the building manager can perform a majority of the work. In the others, this individual simply functions as a point person for getting qualified professionals scheduled to perform necessary work.
Include maintenance details in lease agreements you register with your tenants. Beyond major issues that fall under the implied warranty of habitability, detail the duties of the tenants in the pact you signal. For instance, if a tenant’s unit includes landscaping, designate responsibility for upkeep in the agreement. You should include any maintenance-related agreements you came to, advises the Department of Consumer Affairs, such as who’s responsible for tasks ranging from changing light bulbs to cleaning the windows.
Provide lower leasing to one or more tenants in exchange for regular maintenance work. The size of these agreements varies. If among your tenants is an experienced electrician or certified plumber, you’ve hit a home run; however, the leasing discount might be significant. Some tenants might be happy to undertake janitorial duties or small landscaping work for a small monthly rental charge. Get any agreements.