What Can My Tenant Handle Maintenance-Wise?

What Are Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities and When Should You Step In?

Being a landlord comes with a lot of moving parts. Between keeping the property in good shape, making sure your tenants are comfortable, and handling the inevitable maintenance issues that come up, it can feel like a lot to manage. But when it comes to maintenance, knowing what your tenants can handle versus what you should step in and manage yourself is key to a smooth landlord-tenant relationship.

So, what exactly can your tenant handle, and when should you roll up your sleeves and take care of it yourself? Let’s break it down.

What Should a Tenant Take Care Of?

Tenants don’t need to be professional handymen, but there are definitely smaller tasks that they should take care of. Most of these are outlined in the lease, but in general, tenants are expected to:

Now, these are the basics. But what about those day-to-day maintenance tasks that aren’t too big a deal? What can your tenants handle on their own?

What Can Tenants Handle Maintenance-Wise?

While tenants shouldn’t be expected to fix major issues, there are definitely some tasks they can take care of on their own. Here are a few things they can handle without needing to call you for help.

1. Replacing Batteries in Smoke Detectors

This one is simple. Smoke detectors are essential for safety, and it’s generally up to the tenant to replace the batteries when they start to die. It’s an easy fix, but it’s important. You might want to include a note about this in your lease agreement, so tenants know it’s their responsibility.

2. Cleaning Appliances

Tenants should keep their appliances clean and in working order. This includes things like wiping down the stove, fridge, and microwave. It’s a small task, but it goes a long way in maintaining the appliances and keeping the property in good shape.

3. Maintaining the Lawn and Garden (if applicable)

If your rental has a yard, tenants are generally responsible for maintaining it. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, and keeping the garden neat. Of course, if you’ve included lawn care in the rent, that’s something you’ll take care of. But in most cases, this falls on the tenant.

4. Unclogging Minor Drains

A clogged sink or shower drain can be annoying, but it’s usually something tenants can handle with a plunger or a little drain cleaner. If the issue is something more serious (like a clog in the main plumbing system), that’s when you need to step in. But for minor blockages, tenants can take care of it.

When Should You Step In?

While tenants can handle a lot of minor tasks, there are plenty of repairs that are your responsibility as the landlord. Here’s when you should step in:

• Structural repairs: If the roof leaks, windows break, or there’s any damage to the structure of the property, that’s on you. These kinds of repairs require professional help and are your responsibility to handle.
• Major plumbing issues: A small clog is something your tenant can deal with, but if there’s a major plumbing problem (think: burst pipes or sewage backups), that’s definitely something you’ll need to take care of.
• Electrical issues: Anything involving wiring or circuit problems should be left to professionals. Electrical repairs can be dangerous, and it’s better to address them quickly before they turn into bigger hazards.
• Broken appliances: If major appliances like the refrigerator, air conditioner, or heating system stop working, you’ll need to fix or replace them. These are big-ticket items, and it’s your job to make sure they’re in working order.

Always Check the Lease Agreement

While these guidelines work in most situations, always refer back to your lease agreement. Some leases might be more specific about who handles what. For example, if you’ve got high-end appliances or a specific system in place, you might want to clarify who’s responsible for maintaining or repairing those in the lease. Having a well-defined lease can help prevent confusion later.

Encourage Tenants to Be Proactive

The best way to avoid big maintenance issues is to keep things running smoothly. Encourage your tenants to stay on top of small tasks like cleaning appliances, changing smoke detector batteries, and taking care of minor plumbing problems. This will help prevent little issues from becoming bigger headaches later on.

Make sure your tenants know that they can reach out to you when things need fixing. The quicker they report an issue, the quicker you can get it taken care of.

When it comes to rental property maintenance, there’s a fine line between what tenants should handle and what you, as the landlord, should take care of. Tenants can easily handle smaller tasks like replacing smoke detector batteries, maintaining the lawn, and cleaning appliances. But for bigger issues – like plumbing problems, electrical repairs, or major structural fixes – that’s on you.

Clear communication and a well-defined lease agreement go a long way in making sure everyone knows their responsibilities. When everyone’s on the same page, it makes for a smoother, happier rental experience.

If you’re looking for a property management team that can help make everything run smoothly for both you and your tenants, reach out to us at A-Line Realty. We’ve got you covered, and we’d love to help take the stress out of managing your property!