Common Landlord Responsibilities
Landlord-tenant laws are generally dictated by individual states. For example, under Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, the landlord has specific responsibilities, which are listed here. Although these responsibilities are generally consistent throughout the country, you should still check with your own state’s laws just to make sure.
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Landlord-tenant laws are generally dictated by individual states. For example, under Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, the landlord has specific responsibilities, which are listed here. Although these responsibilities are generally consistent throughout the country, you should still check with your own state’s laws just to make sure.
- Health and safety
Maintain the dwelling so it does not violate state and local codes in ways that endanger tenants’ health and safety.
- Structural components
Maintain structural components—such as roofs, floors, and chimneys—in reasonably good repair.
- Weather
Maintain the dwelling in reasonably weather-tight condition.
- Security
Provide reasonably adequate locks and keys.
- Utilities
Provide the necessary facilities to supply heat, electricity, and hot and cold water.
- Trash
Provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single-family dwellings.
- Common areas
Keep common areas—such as lobbies, stairways, and halls—reasonably clean and free from hazards.
- Pests
Control pests before the tenant moves in. The landlord must continue to control infestations except in single-family dwellings or when the infestation was caused by the tenant.
- Repairs
Make repairs to keep the unit in the same condition as when the tenant moved in, except for normal wear and tear.
- Systems
Keep electrical, plumbing, and heating systems in good repair and maintain any appliances provided with the rental.
- Contact information
Inform the tenant of the name and address of the landlord or landlord’s agent.
- Water heaters
Set water heaters at 120 degrees when a new tenant moves in.
- Smoke detectors
Provide smoke detectors and ensure they work properly when a new tenant moves in. (Tenants are responsible for maintaining detectors.)
Source: Office of the Attorney General, State of Washington, 1996 Residential Landlord-Tenant Law (access.wa.gov).
