As a tenant, there are certain rights that you are entitled to. Many landlords unfortunately neglect their responsibilities and the burden falls on the tenants, who may not be sure of what they are accountable for. To avoid this issue, check out all of the guarantees for tenants under renters rights.
Renters Rights and You
Renters rights, otherwise known as tenant rights, are the non-negotiable duties that fall on the landlord. Of course there are certain caveats that tenants and landlords build into lease agreements following negotiations, but there are other unalienable responsibilities that the landlord must abide by. In the case that they don’t, there are many legal and punitive routes you can take to remedy the situation.
The Necessity of Livability
Some guaranteed tenant rights might seem a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how many landlords treat them as suggestions. One of the primary rights that you as a tenant have is the general habitability of your rental property.
This ensures that a rental property is safe, accessible and has adequate access to utilities like water, sewage, heat and electricity. Some lease agreements might require you to pay for utilities, but all properties need to at least make them available.
Furthermore, renters rights must also include:
- Proper protection from weather
- A clean building, including absence of mold or vermin
- Gas, heating and electrical systems in good condition
- Well-conditioned fixtures including railings, stairways, walls and floors
- Adequate plumbing and sewage facilities
- No lead paint
- Working smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
- Functioning locks
- Clearly marked emergency exits
Above everything else, a property should be able to accommodate occupants. If your property does not, that is a clear violation of tenant rights.
A Tranquil Home
The point of having your own private residence is that it’s your own personal space where you can have a little peace and quiet. This is an important feature of any rental property. Tenants should be able to enjoy their property to the fullest extent. A landlord is required to provide this luxury.
When you sign a lease, aside from the financial and technical details, and unless explicitly stated and understood, you get the rights to:
- Complete privacy
- Relative quietness
- A safe and secure building
- Exclusive rights to your property
If a landlord cannot make these amenities available to you, then that property is probably not worth your time to begin with.
Acquiring rental properties is not always a quick process. However, when all is said and done, it should fulfill all of the basic needs of a property, which are guaranteed under your renters rights.
