Responsibilities of a good tenant

November 30,2015 | Posted By Admin

Whenever we hear the term “Property maintenance”, we usually think of some of the most basic responsibilities such as fixing or replacing worn out things, make any alteration or renovations required, changing locks and furnishing the house if required etc. The responsibilities are not just limited to landlords; you as tenant are also responsible for maintaining the facilities provided by your owner. Follow these below mentioned guidelines to be a good tenant:

• Cleanliness and maintenance: The first and foremost responsibility of a tenant is to keep the house and surroundings clean and tidy. It comprises disposing off your rubbish properly, keep the home reasonably clean and looking after the internal decorations, furniture and equipment and cut the yard if there is any. This implies dusting, moping, cleaning toilets, mowing and so on. You have to maintain the house as it is your own by taking care of these small and regular tasks. Also, you have to do minor repairs yourself such as changing fuses and light bulbs.Poor sanitation and hygiene may cause many diseases to your family and the people around you. So make sure you never neglect these crucial concerns. 

• Reporting issues/concerns: Normally it’s a part of mutual understanding between the tenant and owner that minor repairs and normal wear-tear will be done by tenant himself. This responsibility also encompasses repairing anything you have broken, not using unsafe appliances and sticking to the terms in your tenancy agreement. But if any major repair occurs, it’s your utmost duty to report the issue immediately to the owner. You might be responsible to all these minor repairs, but it is advisable to make your owner aware about the same as soon as possible. If these minor changes lead to additional damages then the tenant will be held liable in case of no information reported to the landlord. Communicate freely whenever an issue arises to avoid future hassle. It is also crucial to maintain a good relationship with your landlord. It also relieves a landlord that his property is taken care of. 

• Personal care and attention:It’s natural that things get damaged and worn by using. But when personal care and attention is given to something, they remain intact for years. The tenant must use the home in a ‘tenant-like way. It implies fixing the damages caused by personal errors and accidents. This would cover replacing a broken glass to cleaning the carpet after a wine spill. Even if you have repaired or replaced the broken item, keep receipts for all expenditures, in case of any dispute at the end of your tenancy. Also be stick to the terms of your tenancy agreements related to smoking, pets, parking and gardening. 

• Follow rules and regulations: It is always expected to use the property properly as your own. If you misuse any fixture, appliances or items, you are held responsible for all the damages. It is also your basic duty not to upset your neighbours by behaving in an antisocial way. Maintain cordial relationships with your landlord, neighbours and the people around. You are also responsible for the behaviours of the visitors to the property. It is always best to ask permissions when it is needed for making any improvement to property, run a business from property, sublet and so on.

 

Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men so follow rules not just

to be a good tenant but also a good citizen.