77% of Americans prefer to rent a home instead of buying one. Part of the reason for this may be because they'll have fewer responsibilities when renting a home.
If you own a rental property, you need to take care of your tenants to ensure good relations and to stay legally compliant. Meeting maintenance responsibilities as a landlord is essential in the state of Washington.
Here's what you should know about legal and optional tenant maintenance responsibilities in Puyallup, WA.
Legal Landlord Maintenance Requirements
The Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act outlines several specific things that a landlord needs to take care of in regards to property maintenance to stay legal. Here's what you should know.
Maintain Structural Integrity
A landlord needs to maintain the structure of the property. They should make repairs to roofing, floors, and walls to ensure that it's usable by a tenant.
Control Pests
A landlord also needs to take measures to control pests and deal with infestations of rodents and insects. However, this isn't required if the tenant caused the infestation.
Maintain Essential Systems
A landlord also needs to ensure that essential home systems are functioning as they should be. This includes ensuring that electrical, heating, and other essential utilities are functioning as they are supposed to and are usable by the tenant.
Prevent Mold
A landlord also needs to maintain the property in such a way as to prevent the development of mold. If there are leaks, poor ventilation, and other issues that could lead to mold growth, a landlord will have to take care of it.
Maintain Common Areas
It's also necessary for a landlord to take care of all common areas and keep them clean and sanitary. These areas should also be kept free from all potential hazards and potential safety issues should be addressed.
Optional Landlord Maintenance Requirements
While there are various ways that a landlord can coordinate maintenance and improve a property, not all are legally required. Maintenance actions not mentioned in legal documentation are optional.
Some examples of optional maintenance include updating appliances, upgrading fixtures, painting the property, and replacing carpeting.
How Long Can Landlords Take to Start Repairs?
For legally required maintenance, landlords only have a certain amount of time to begin repairs after being notified about a problem. In the case of problems relating to hot or cold water, heating, electricity, or problems that are "imminently hazardous to life", a landlord will need to begin repairs within 24 hours.
For other plumbing issues and appliance problems with a refrigerator, range, or oven, a landlord will have 72 hours to get started on repairs. For all other types of repairs, landlords will need to get started within 10 days.
Prioritizing Property Maintenance As a Landlord
If you want to stay legal and have a great relationship with your tenants, you need to pay attention to property maintenance. As a landlord in Washington, you need to maintain your property and its essential systems while also keeping it protected from mold and pests.
If you need help managing your property in Puyallup, WA, consider working with SJC Management Group. We've served the area for over 30 years and are committed to providing quality service.
Ready to learn more about us? Contact us today to learn how we can help meet your property management needs.
