Renters Resources

Tenant Responsibilities

• Be aware of the terms of the lease and follow those terms
• Pay rent on time
• Keep the apartment in a clean, proper, and sanitary condition
• Notify the landlord as soon as possible when a repair is needed
• Repair or pay for the repair of damages caused by negligence or improper use.
• Request and keep a receipt for rent payments or pay by check.
• Keep notes or a phone log with dates and names of any contact with the landlord about the problem
• Get or put promises from the landlord in writing
• Keep a rental file that includes:
  • The lease and addendums
  • Check-in/out forms
  • Copies of letters/emails/texts to and from your landlord
  • Housing inspection reports
  • Notices to enter

Safety Issues

• For buildings with two or more apartments that are accessed from a common area:
  • The exterior door, doors leading to the basements, and any storage areas must always be locked.
• Rental units need smoke alarms in:
  • In each bedroom and sleeping area
  • Within 6ft of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area
  • On each floor of the building
• Smoke detectors must be hard-wired or have 10-year lithium batteries. The landlord must install smoke alarms. 

Check-in and Check-out Forms

• The landlord must provide you with a check-in/check-out form before you move in.
• The owner must give you at least seven days after move-in to note if anything was dirty, damaged, or missing.
• Return the completed form to the landlord. If you want items, repaired, make a separate request.
• The property owner must provide you with a check-in form at move-in and at check-out. If they do not, they cannot without money from your security deposit for damages or cleaning.