Getting your first place is a time fraught with a cocktail of emotions.
There is the buzz of elation as you realize you’ve finally bought a portion of your freedom, mixed with an acute awareness that alongside independence comes responsibility!
Even before the ink has dried on your lease agreement, you are endowed with specific rights and obligations. So the first thing you want to ensure it that you have read your lease thoroughly and understand what you can expect from your landlord and what your landlord expects from you. Be certain you and the property owner are on the same page from day one, go over every detail of the lease agreement and if there is any ambiguity, ask questions for clarity. You will understand your rights and responsibilities and your landlord will appreciate your initiative to be proactive.
Now that you have established clear communication and identified your rights as a tenet, let’s talk about your liabilities in regard to the upkeep of the property.
Most apartment units require that you, as a tenant, take care of everyday maintenance, this includes things like trash removal, changing your light bulbs, routine cleaning and even toilet plunging (I know yuck, but you gotta pay the cost to be the boss!). If you’re renting a house, there may even be the expectation of lawn maintenance, usually limited to cutting the grass.
A typical rule of thumb is: if a maintenance project must be done daily or weekly (such as sweeping or vacuuming) the onus is on the tenant if the project is something that is done yearly or bi-yearly the burden lies with the property owner. Repairs such as painting, gutter cleaning, issues with heating/air conditioning or electrical problems are all duties the landlord is obligated to correct in order to keep the unit in proper habitable condition.
When encountering maintenance issue, use the scientific idea of parsimony, where the simplest, most immediate answer is probably the best. If a light fixture seems to no longer work, try changing the light bulbs first.
Usually, a simple fix handles the problem. If that doesn’t work, contact your property manager. It is always SUPER important that when you have issues with a leaky toilet, cracked drywall, problems with the heating and cooling unit or anything else that is broken, ALWAYS LET YOUR LANDLORD KNOW RIGHT AWAY!
This is not only for your own comfort but it helps the property owner sustain the unit in excellent working condition, which they will appreciate!
Now, rest easy knowing you’re adulting like a boss!
About the author:
Kelli Roberts is an imaginative freelancer on a mission to create, teach and heal. She aspires to expand lives through writing and her understanding of neuroscience and positive psychology. Kelli is fulfilling her purpose in Southern Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Connect with her on Instagram @Wildflower_Curls.
Equal Housing Opportunity
