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Some days are harder than others in rental property management.
Perhaps your morning starts with a call about a plumbing issue. Next, you head over to another property to inspect it, finding damage to the doors. After that, a new tenant calls to complain about a broken lock on a downstairs window.
You look at your list, see the property maintenance costs adding up, and wonder what your profit margins will be by the end of this month.
But are you responsible for all those expenses? Or should the tenant cover some of them? Read on to learn the truth about who pays for repairs in Californian rentals.
The Importance of the Lease Agreement
One of the main reasons the lease agreement needs to be detailed is to clarify responsibilities like repair costs.
If you are worried about what you may need to spend if a tenant damages your property, make sure your lease is well crafted and outlines specific responsibilities. List scenarios and explain who reports them and who pays for the repairs.
That lease will protect you if a dispute over costs goes to court.
Legal Obligations
There are some repairs you can't stipulate in the lease as being your tenant's responsibility.
In California, state law has specific items that are always the landlord's responsibility for San Jose rental properties. It's essential you read up on the latest laws for rental property management and that they reflect what's written in your lease agreement.
For example, rental properties must be:
- habitable and in good condition
- have working plumbing, heating, and electricity
- have no structural issues that could make the property unsafe
- have no other issues that could pose a health and safety risk
Furthermore, since the law covers these responsibilities, you could face fines or other legal action from your tenant if you fail to pay for timely repairs.
Tenant Repair Responsibilities
While the landlord may be responsible for paying for repairs, in some areas, the payment will be passed on to the tenant.
Tenants typically cover the costs of minor maintenance work like cleaning and changing lightbulbs. They may also pay for repairs caused by tenant damage to the property.
However, rather than pay upfront, the landlord may deduct that expense from the security deposit.
If the repair is an emergency, both parties have a responsibility to act promptly.
For tenants, that means notifying the landlord, and in most cases, the landlord will cover the repair cost if the emergency either makes the property uninhabitable or could escalate into more building damage if left unattended.
However, after the emergency has been resolved, there will be some circumstances when the landlord will claim back the repair cost from the tenant, such as if the damage is deliberate or a result of negligence.
Rental Property Management: Understanding the Rules on Repair Costs
Repairs can add up if either a tenant or landlord neglects them, which is why it's vital to outline responsibilities from day one of a lease agreement. This will protect you and your property and prevent costs from spiraling.
Provident Property Management is a leading real estate management business in San Jose, California, with a dedicated and experienced team that puts our landlords first. Find out more about how our rental property management services can help you by heading here.
