The Ins and Outs of Leases

Typical Duties of the Landlord

• A landlord is obligated to supply possession of the premises as agreed in the lease. The premises must meet minimum standards of habitability including compliance with the applicable local and national building codes.
• All weatherizing, locks, running water, working plumbing, heating and cooling, pest control, and other basics must be in place. A landlord is obligated to keep the premises in repair, to the same standard as existed when the tenant initially leased the premises. Damages caused by the tenant, however, will be repaired only at tenant’s expense.

Typical Duties of the Tenants

Many leases now incorporate any statutory duties of tenants. Aside from complying with the lease agreement the tenant is obliged to keep the premises in as clean and safe condition as possible.

• The tenant must comply with any applicable health and safety codes, including proper disposal of garbage.
• The tenant must use the facilities and appliances in the premises in a reasonable manner.
• The tenant must not damage the premises, nor cause a nuisance to neighboring tenants.
• The tenant must not permit or participate in criminal activity on the premises.
• The tenant is required to inform the landlord of any dangerous conditions that develop.
• The tenant should also advise the landlord of any damage caused to the premises by whatever source, and of any serious injury to the tenant, tenant’s family, guests, or tenant’s property while on the premises