Landlords are usually pretty clear about their responsibilities when it comes to renting out a home in Lakewood. You know you have to provide a safe and habitable home. You know you have to respond to maintenance requests.
But, that’s not all.
You need to follow all the laws and requirements, including fair housing laws and security deposit laws. You’re responsible for communicating with your tenant, being available and accessible, and ensuring they have what they need for a pleasant and successful rental experience. You’re also responsible for proper accounting so you can file taxes and demonstrate what your investment property has earned and spent.
All responsibilities for you and your tenants really begin with the lease agreement. That’s where you’ll find all the things you need to do and all the things your tenant needs to do. Make sure it’s thorough, detailed, and legally compliant.
Address Responsibilities in Your Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are designed to protect your rights and those of your tenants. This is the best place to keep a list of your responsibilities and your tenant’s responsibilities. It will make it easy for the tenants to refer to the conditions in the lease agreement when they’re wondering who is responsible for mowing the lawn or maintaining the roof.
Your lease agreement must stipulate who is responsible for utilities and whether there are any pool or landscaping responsibilities that land with the tenant. If you hire professional services for things like pools, landscaping, snow removal, and pest control, the lease should also reference that.
Safety and Security in a Lakewood Rental Home
Your main job as a landlord is to provide a property that is safe. Before a tenant moves in, make sure there aren’t any hazards such as loose handrails, torn screens, or windows that don’t lock. Check the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Make sure the appliances work and pay special attention to the lint trap in the dryer.
Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the windows and doors and there should be adequate exterior lighting. Change the locks between tenants and while it’s not necessarily your responsibility to provide a security system or alarm, many tenants today appreciate smart technology when it comes to home security. Make sure your property is friendly to these systems, such as video doorbells.
Maintaining Your Lakewood Rental Home
Landlords are responsible for responding to maintenance requests, whether they’re emergency repairs or routine issues. Tenants need to know how to reach you if there’s a leak overnight or a toilet stops flushing. You know emergencies require an immediate response, but don’t take too much time responding to those routine repairs. When you take your maintenance responsibilities seriously and respond right away, you’re protecting the condition of your property and giving your tenants a good reason to renew their lease agreements year after year.
Get to know the laws in Colorado so you understand how to return a security deposit and what the proper steps are if you need to evict a tenant. These are your responsibilities, too.
If you have any questions, we’d love to help. Please contact us at Assured Management, Lakewood property management experts serving residential landlords in West Denver and the surrounding areas, including Littleton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, and more.
