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Landlord/Tenant Laws: The Bottom Line

Open Landlord-Tenant Lawbook on a Desk

The relationship between a landlord and tenant is unique. Not only does your tenant have obligations (outlined in your lease) that they are legally obligated to meet, but you also have obligations to your tenant as the landlord and property owner. As you presumably already know, state, local, and federal landlord-tenant laws specify these obligations. In addition, how strictly you adhere to the rules governing the habitability and other facets of owning Southport rental property has a direct impact on the satisfaction and longevity of your renters. 

Satisfied tenants will not only remain in your rental property longer, decreasing your turnover costs, but they will also help you protect your investment. You may keep costs low and revenues high by learning more about the direct connection between landlord-tenant regulations and renter satisfaction. 

Habitability Laws

You have rights and responsibilities under the law regarding your tenant as a landlord. There are many laws that govern rental properties across all levels of government. Habitability restrictions have a direct impact on how long tenants stay in their rental properties. These types of rules primarily focus on the maintenance and safety of the rented property. The majority of states, for instance, mandate that landlords maintain the habitability and safety of their rental properties. This indicates that the property should meet a few prerequisites, like: 

– a roof that is safe from rain and snow 

– adequate hot water 

– dependable heating; 

– solid floors, and walls that aren’t about to collapse at any minute 

– no considerable risk from environmental contaminants including lead, asbestos, or mold 

– adequate defense against criminal entry 

Along with not having serious flaws like damaged plumbing, heating, fixtures, or appliances, a rental home must be habitable and pest- and insect-free. This may be the case even after a tenant has moved in, depending on the locality. 

Repairs must be made as soon as possible, and in some cases, conventional safety equipment such as carbon monoxide monitors and fire extinguishers must be provided. The regulations of your state or local municipality may declare your rental home uninhabitable if any of these essential components are lacking. Ensure that your properties are in complete compliance with local landlord laws by doing some research in your area or by consulting a professional in the rental market in your area.

Tenant Satisfaction and the Law

For the duration of their lease, tenants will count on the Southport property managers to do their share to keep the rental in good shape. Failure to do so could result in significant renter turnover, costing you extra money to find new tenants every few months. It may also result in costly lawsuits or other legal issues, particularly if your rented property does not comply with landlord-tenant law. 

Because of this, prosperous property owners are aware that satisfied tenants are good for business. Long-term tenant retention helps keep costs low and offers stable monthly rental income. Moreover, a delighted tenant is much more likely to disclose maintenance and repair issues, allowing you to address issues when they are small and easy to fix. When both the landlord and tenant pitch in for repairs and upkeep, the property stays in better shape for longer.

Finding Peace of Mind

Knowing whether you comply with all landlord-tenant rules can be difficult, not to mention understanding them. In these scenarios, there is no substitute for getting an expert team to help. Expert Southport property management companies offer in-depth knowledge of landlord-tenant rules like Real Property Management Champion. They can assess your rental, give advice, help with maintenance and repairs, manage renter relations, and much more. In the end, paying for peace of mind is a tiny thing to pay for using a reputable property management business. 

Do you want to find out more about our property management options?  Contact us online or call 910-782-4488 today!

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