Working For Justice In Housing

WHAT THE LANDLORD EXPECTS FROM THE TENANT

Several years ago BNI invited the Property Owners Association of Baltimore City, the Apartment Builders and Owners Council, and several individual landlords to give their views on what they would expect from a tenant.  Following is a summary of their responses:

RULES 

Tenants should read the Rules and Regulations of their particular apartment complex.  Most rules are adopted to help make the apartment a better place to live, so that everyone can enjoy living there.

RENT 

Tenants should pay rent promptly.  Landlords have financial obligations, such as real estate taxes, mortgage payments, utility bills, and repairs.  Therefore, it is important to the landlord to collect rent promptly in order to maintain the building properly.  If tenant expects to be unable to pay his rent on the due date, he should notify the landlord immediately to see if they can agree on an alternate arrangement and avoid court action and additional expenses.

NOISE

Most leases include noise regulations.  This is one of the major areas of complaint from apartment residents to owners.  When living in multi-family units, residents must be considerate of their neighbors at all times and especially during normal sleeping periods.  Moderation is suggested, as well as communication with each other in the event anyone is disturbed.  Use of carpets and draperies can be helpful in reducing sound transmission

REPAIRS

Tenants can help owners keep maintenance costs down by reporting anything that may be broken within their unit, even if it is the tenants’ fault and they may be responsible for repair costs.  Delay in reporting may lead to additional expenses that could result in higher rents to the residents. Tenants should not tinker with any appliances, plumbing, electricity, etc., because of the possibility of damage or injury.  If there are water or furnace leaks, tenant should immediately notify the landlord or the emergency office of the utility.  Generally, tenant should try to contact the landlord before calling a city agency. 

MOVING OUT BEFORE END OF LEASE TERM

If tenant decides to move before the expiration of the lease, he should contact the landlord immediately, in writing.  Although the landlord must make an attempt to re-rent the apartment (or house) as soon as possible, he is not responsible for obtaining a new resident for tenant's unit in preference to other vacant units.  Therefore, if landlord agrees, tenant should attempt to find a qualified person to rent his apartment or house.  

SECURITY DEPOSITS

To ensure that the security deposit will be refunded in full, the tenant should take care that the general condition of the apartment when he leaves is the same as when he moved in, except for "ordinary wear and tear.” 

Legally Reviewed - BNI. Last Update - March 2001

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