What Are the Duties of a Landlord?
Being a landlord entails more than just rent collection and ensuring occupancy. It involves a series of responsibilities and legal obligations that ensure the property remains in good condition and that tenants have a safe and habitable place to live.
For those managing rental properties around the Fort Worth area, understanding these duties is crucial for maintaining a successful and compliant rental business.
As your local property managers, we’re always here to help landlords make the most of their rental ventures. Here’s a closer look at some of the key duties you’ll face as a landlord.
Managing Tenants
The relationship between a landlord and tenant can last for years, making managing this relationship professionally and cordially essential. Here are some key responsibilities you should keep in mind when managing is a top priority.
Tenant Screening
Vetting potential tenants is vital to avoid issues like non-payment of rent or disruptive behavior. Conducting thorough tenant screening through background checks and credit reports helps select reliable tenants.
Security Deposits
Handling security deposits according to state and local laws is crucial. This may involve holding the deposit in escrow or an interest-bearing account. Ensure you know the specific requirements for your property type and jurisdiction.
Drafting Lease Agreements
A clear and comprehensive lease agreement is essential. It outlines the terms of tenancy, including rent, maintenance responsibilities, and policies on pets, subletting, and more. Both parties should fully understand and agree to these terms.
Move-In/Move-Out Walkthroughs
Conducting walkthroughs with tenants at the beginning and end of their lease helps document the property’s condition. This practice can prevent disputes over security deposits and ensure accountability for any damages.
Setting and Collecting Rent
Finally, we touch on the elephant in the room, rent. Establishing a fair rent based on local market rates and implementing a consistent rent collection process is critical. Consider using online payment systems to streamline rent collection and reduce late payments.
Warranty of Habitability
Landlords are legally obligated to maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition, ensuring they meet basic living standards as defined by local jurisdictions. This responsibility encompasses several key areas.
First and foremost, landlords must provide functioning basic services, including heating, cooling, electricity, and plumbing, ensuring tenants have continuous access to these essential utilities.
The landlord’s duties also include ensuring safe entry to the property, keeping doors and windows in good condition, and promptly repairing any broken elements that pose a safety risk. Any appliances provided with the rental unit, such as stoves, refrigerators, and heating/cooling systems, must be maintained in working order.
Landlords must also comply with all state and local housing codes, which may include specific requirements for room dimensions, natural light, ventilation, and other aspects of the living space. By fulfilling these obligations, landlords maintain the habitability of their rental properties and provide tenants with a safe and comfortable living environment.
Property Maintenance
Regular property maintenance is a crucial aspect of responsible property management, serving the dual purpose of protecting the landlord’s investment and ensuring a pleasant living environment for tenants.
This comprehensive approach encompasses both exterior and interior upkeep.
Exterior maintenance involves keeping the property’s outer appearance in good condition through landscaping, painting, and addressing structural repairs as needed. implementing regular pest control measures prevents infestations, contributing to a healthier living space.
Proper trash and recycling management is also essential, ensuring that waste disposal practices are efficient and environmentally responsible. Regular inspections and maintenance address wear and tear inside the rental units while mitigating potential safety concerns.
You are also responsible for routine safety checks, including the inspection of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, as well as ensuring compliance with safety codes.
Abiding by Housing Laws
Compliance with housing laws at the federal, state, and local levels is a fundamental responsibility for landlords.
The Fair Housing Act stands at the forefront, prohibiting discrimination in all housing-related activities and ensuring equal opportunities for all potential tenants. Alongside this, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that landlords provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
When screening tenants, landlords must adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates the use of credit reports in the application process.
By staying informed and compliant with these diverse legal requirements, landlords avoid potential legal issues and contribute to fair and equitable housing practices in their communities.
Evictions
Eviction should be a last resort, undertaken only after all other resolution efforts have failed. The process generally involves the following steps:
Providing Notice
Inform the tenant of the lease violation and allow them to correct it. However, if you’ve had enough and are ready to start eviction proceedings, the notice must state they have three days to vacate the property.
Legal Procedures
You must follow the legal requirements for eviction in your jurisdiction, which may include filing for eviction in court and obtaining a court order. If you have any questions about your jurisdiction, you can work with local authorities or your property management’s eviction assistance team to enforce a legal eviction order.
Carry Out Your Landlord Duties With Classic Property Management On Your Side
Managing rental properties can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a thorough understanding of legal obligations and best practices. At Classic Property Management, we specialize in providing professional property management services in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. Our team of experts can handle everything from tenant screening and lease drafting to maintenance and compliance, ensuring your property is well-managed and your tenants are satisfied. Contact us today to learn how we can help you maximize your rental property’s potential and provide peace of mind.
