Landlords and Tenants

Posted on March 26th, 2008 | by John Glenn |

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Landlords and tenants complement each other in several aspects. While on a lookout for tenants, landlords may have several parameters on which they may draw they focus. These parameters are inclusive of the economic status, nature of tenancy amid a whole range of factors. Once upon a time the landlords enjoyed the liberty to pick and choose the tenants. However, now the times have changed and the number of properties available has also swelled up.

It is a well-known adage that prevention is always better than cure. Keeping this in mind a prudent landlord should undertake adequate provisions to make sure that the potential tenant is the right choice. By covering all the bases landlords can make sure that not only will they have the best tenants for their rental property, but also that their rights and the rights of you are their potential tenants are being protected.

Obtaining the name of the previous landlord is another effective method to check on a tenant’s background. Often landlords do not report troublesome tenants to the authorities, so calling up and checking with their former landlords is a good idea.

If not the rental agreement provides otherwise, the tenants have no obligation to insure the rented premises. Nevertheless, tenants should consider purchasing renter’s insurance on personal property and liability insurance for claims by third parties (such as guests) for personal injuries occurring on the property, given that the landlord’s insurance covers only the premises.

Apart from for the limited right to make minor repairs and subtract their cost from the rent, a tenant has no right to hold back rent. The cost per repair may not go beyond certain limits and reasonable notice to the landlord is required.