Landlords can deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit before returning it. This means you must keep up with your maintenance duties in your Sarasota, FL, apartment.
However, knowing exactly what those duties are can be confusing. Clarifying your responsibilities is the first step in safeguarding your deposit.
Property maintenance involves legal requirements and optional tasks that ensure you fulfill your lease obligations. Keep reading to discover more about your rights and duties as a tenant.
Legal Responsibilities for Tenants
Most tenants are shocked to learn they play a big role in maintaining a rental property. Renters must keep their homes healthy and clean. This means taking out the trash, sanitizing the area, and living in a way that keeps everyone safe.
Using things in your home the right way is important, too. This includes electrical systems, HVAC units, and any other systems. They should be used as intended to avoid damage.
If damage happens because they were incorrectly used, fixing it is up to the tenant.
It's key to tell your landlord about the necessary property repairs right away. While fixing big issues is the landlord's job, letting them know helps stop small problems from escalating.
You must fix any damage you or your guests cause. Whether fixing it yourself or paying a professional, dealing with these repairs is your job.
Be sure to know and follow any extra rules in your lease. Leases might give you added maintenance duties, so understand your contract completely.
Optional Property Maintenance Duties
Some maintenance responsibilities aren't required by law but benefit you and the community. Watering the lawn or keeping the garden tidy is optional. These tasks can be fun and make your place look great.
You might have the option to paint or decorate. Always ask your landlord first. They usually like it when you make the place feel like home, as long as you chat about your ideas in advance.
Renters can also pay for major repairs themselves. However, you can't subtract these expenses from your rental payments.
The Role of Property Management
Not every landlord handles their rentals. Many work with a property manager or a full-service property management company.
These experts take care of property maintenance and repairs. They're the people you'll call if the AC stops working or if there's a leak.
A good property management team makes life easier. They have professionals who handle all sorts of problems. This means issues get fixed faster and you can relax knowing everything's under control.
Making Property Maintenance Simple
Keeping your rental clean and using things properly are big parts of your job as a tenant. You get to choose to do extra things, like gardening or decorating. Remember to always talk to your landlord first.
If you've got any special tasks on your lease, make sure you know what they are. Property management can help make all this easier. If you're in Sarasota, PMI Sarasota is here for you.
We've been doing property maintenance for over 20 years, so we know how to help. Contact us to improve maintenance coordination.
