Before you sign your next lease, there are a few things you should keep in mind. As a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities that you need to be aware of. Here are a few things every tenant should know:
You have the right to a safe and secure home
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and secure home. Your landlord must take reasonable steps to ensure your home is free from hazards. For example, your landlord should fix broken windows or locks, repair dangerous electrical wiring, and address pest problems. If your landlord fails to address these issues, you may have grounds for legal action.
You may also be able to withhold rent or break your lease entirely if your landlord fails to address these issues promptly. In short, as a tenant, you have the right to a safe and secure home, and your landlord must protect your rights.
You have the responsibility to pay rent on time, and you should not make changes to the property without permission
As someone renting a property, you are responsible for paying rent on time. You should also not make any changes to the property without the landlord’s permission.
If you do not adhere to these responsibilities, the landlord may take legal action against you. In some cases, the landlord may even evict you from the property. Therefore, you must understand your responsibilities as a tenant before signing a lease agreement.
You can pay your rent monthly rather than yearly
By partnering with a rental guarantee company, you can pay your rent monthly instead of yearly. Paying monthly can provide you with more flexibility, and it may also make budgeting easier.
This is great for tenants who cannot pay a large lump sum for rent at the beginning of the year. By paying monthly, you can spread out the cost and potentially save money in the long run.
Your landlord cannot just enter your rental unit whenever they please – they must give you notice first
It’s important for tenants like you to know your rights regarding your landlord entering your rental unit. According to most laws, your landlord cannot just enter your unit whenever they please – they must give you notice first.
The required notice will vary based on location but typically ranges from 24 to 72 hours. In some cases, landlords may be able to enter without notice in an emergency, such as a fire or flood. However, they should still try to notify you immediately after the event has occurred. If you have questions about your landlord’s right to enter your rental unit, check with your housing authority.
You have the responsibility to keep the property clean and in good repair
As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the property clean and in good repair. This means you must regularly sweep, dust, and vacuum the floors, clean the bathrooms, and wash the windows.
You should also take care of any minor repairs, such as replacing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet. If you fail to keep the property clean and in good repair, the landlord may charge you a cleaning fee or repair cost. In addition, your lease may be terminated if your neglect of the property results in significant damage. Therefore, maintaining a clean and well-kept home is in your best interest.
You have the right to privacy
Tenants like you have the right to privacy in your own home. Your landlord cannot listen to your conversations, read your emails, or look through your belongings. If you feel that your privacy is being invaded, you can talk to your landlord about the situation and see if there is anything that can be done to resolve the issue. Remember, as a tenant, you have the right to live in peace and quiet in your home.
As a tenant, knowing your rights and responsibilities is important before signing a lease agreement. Once again, remember that you have the right to a safe and secure home, you have the responsibility to pay rent on time, and you should not make changes to the property without permission, you can pay your rent monthly rather than yearly, your landlord cannot just enter your rental unit whenever they please, you have the responsibility to keep the property clean and in good repair, and you have the right to privacy. By understanding the things listed in this article, you can ensure that you are entering into a lease arrangement with full knowledge of what to expect.
