No other relationship is like that of the landlord-tenant relationship In addition to the requirements listed in the lease that your tenant is legally bound to fulfill, you as the landlord and property owner also have obligations to your tenant. As you probably know, these obligations are detailed in state, local, and federal landlord-tenant laws. In addition, how strictly you adhere to the rules governing the habitability and other facets of owning Atlanta 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. Learning more about the direct relationship between landlord-tenant legislation and renter satisfaction will assist you in lowering costs and increasing earnings on an annual basis.
Habitability Laws
As a landlord, you have legal rights and duties toward your tenant. All levels of government have numerous laws that apply to rental properties. Habitability laws have the most direct impact on a renter’s time in a property. These laws usually concentrate on the state and security of the rental property. In the majority of states, landlords are obligated to keep rental properties habitable and safe. The property must therefore adhere to some fundamental criteria, such as:
– a roof that is safe from rain and snow
– enough hot water supply
– 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
– reasonable defense against criminal trespass
A habitable rental property must also be free of significant problems, such as defective plumbing and heating, appliances, and fixtures, and must be pest-free. This can still be the case depending on the area even after a renter has moved in.
Repairs must generally be completed quickly, and in some cases, you must also offer standard safety equipment such as carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Depending on the regulations of your state and municipality, your rental home may be ruled uninhabitable if it lacks any of these essential features. Confirm that your properties are in strict compliance with local landlord law by conducting research or consulting a local expert on the rental real estate market.
Tenant Satisfaction and the Law
Renters will count on Atlanta property managers to do their share to maintain the home’s condition while they are occupants. If this isn’t done, there would be a lot of evictions, which would cost money to evict and have to find new tenants frequently. In particular, if your rental property violates landlord-tenant law, it may lead to costly lawsuits or other legal issues.
Because of this, savvy property owners understand that happy tenants are excellent for business. Long-term tenant retention lowers expenses and guarantees a steady stream of rent each month. Furthermore, a pleased tenant is far more likely to report maintenance and repair issues, aiding you in resolving problems when they are minor and simple to repair. It’s far less of a burden on either you or the tenant to keep the property in good shape if you both pitch in.
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. Comprehensive knowledge of landlord-tenant laws is provided by industry specialists in Atlanta property management companies such as Real Property Management Greenway. They can evaluate your rental property, make suggestions, and assist with upkeep and repairs, tenant relations, and much more. In the end, the cost of hiring a professional property management company is negligible compared to the peace of mind it provides.
Would you like to learn more about our Atlanta property management services? Contact us online or call 770-364-9668 today!
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