Tenant Rights And Responsibilities - Park City Property Management
For as often as people rent properties in Park City property management I find it interesting how many misconceptions there are about what a landlord can and can't do and what a tenant can and can't do. Most people seem to think the landlord can do what they like, I mean they own the place right? Wrong, tenants have a fair amount of rights granted to them once a lease agreement has been executed. Today I would like to give some basic information about tenant rights and responsibilities as it pertains to Park City property management. This should be of great benefit not only to tenants looking to rent but also landlords looking for renters. Both parties have specific obligations spelled out in state law and knowing both sides of the rental agreement will help both parties out.
Tenant Rights
Tenants enjoy many of the same rights that an owner of a property would enjoy along with some additional rights. For example a tenant has a right to a safe and sanitary home. While an owner could choose to not have locks on their front doors and do nothing about a plumbing problem these items are the rights of a tenant. A tenant has the right to call a health our housing inspector if they feel there are possible code violations. A tenant, like a property owner, has the right to the quiet enjoyment of a property. They also have the right to privacy in a property. A landlord can enter a property at reasonable times for repairs or inspections but should attempt to notify a tenant first, the obvious exception being an emergency. A tenant also has the right to a written receipt for rents or deposits paid. This is particularly important if a tenant rents from a private individual or if they pay with cash or money orders. A tenant is also entitled to at least 15 day notice if the terms of a month to month oral lease agreement. Tenants also have the right to requested repairs being made in a timely manner. There are even laws regarding the amount of time certain types of repairs must be made in. For more information on time requirements you can check out my post Maintenance Laws For Park City Property Management here.
Tenant Responsibilities
With rights to a property come certain responsibilities. These are basic ones that apply to every rental property however there may be property-specific responsibilities spelled out in your lease. Among the foremost responsibilities of a tenant is to pay rent on time. I can't stress this enough, you are legally required to pay rent on time. Not only is this a law but you will find your landlord is a much more pleasant person to deal with if those payments are made at the first of the month, if not earlier! A tenant has a responsibility to take care of a property. Upon move out the property must be returned in the condition in which it was received, minus normal wear and tear. A tenant must inform their landlord when they will be away from the property for an extended amount of time. A tenant is also responsible for making maintenance requests and they must do so in writing. A tenant must be considerate of neighbors and keep the noise down. And finally a tenant must abide by the terms of the lease and provide at least 15 day notice when moving out, unless the lease specifies otherwise.
Summary
The state of Utah has excellent resources for both tenants and landlords that you can view by clicking here. The best recommendation I can make for any tenant is to read their lease before signing and be responsible and proactive in learning the rules of any community you make be living in. This will help set expectations and avoid many problems that can occur in renting a property.
If you would like more information about Park City property management sign up for a free, no obligation consultation.
photo credit #1
photo credit #2