Landlord-Tenant Law
General obligations of landlords and tenants | 1997 law provisions | The lease
Expiration of lease | Subleasing | Security deposit | Repairs | Eviction | Discrimination | Next >
Expiration of lease | Subleasing | Security deposit | Repairs | Eviction | Discrimination | Next >
General obligations of landlords and tenants
Landlord-tenant disputes are a common occurrence in the renting process, and many could be avoided if both parties were aware of their rights and responsibilities.
General obligations of tenants
Tenants should:
- Pay rent on time.
- Use reasonable care and not damage property.
- Properly dispose of garbage.
- Refrain from taking on additional occupants or subleasing without the landlord's written permission.
General obligations of landlords
Landlords should:
- Make property habitable before tenants move in.
- Make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear.
- Refrain from turning off a tenant's water, electricity or gas.
- Provide written notice to tenants when ownership of the property is transferred to a new landlord.
- Not unlawfully discriminate.
Put it in writing
The best way to avoid later problems is to address issues in a lease. Put it in writing who has to mow the lawn, fix a clogged sink or pay the utility bills.
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