Landlord, Tenant, and Roommate Responsibilities

Your landlord is responsible for:

• Effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors
• Keeping plumbing or gas facilities in good working order
• A water supply capable of producing hot and cold running water to appropriate fixtures and connected to a sewage disposal system
• Maintaining heating facilities in good working order
• Keeping electrical lighting and wiring in good working order
• Sanitary building and grounds free from debris, filth, rodents, cockroaches, etc.
• Adequate garbage receptacles
• Keeping floors, stairways, and railings in good repair
• Providing reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) to enter your apartment, unless there is an emergency

Repairs to property:

• If you need to request a repair from your landlord or property manager, write a signed, dated memo or formal letter, and keep a copy for your records. See a sample first letter of request for repairs (PDF), and a sample second letter of request (PDF).
• Your landlord has a reasonable time to correct the problem (reasonable response time will differ depending on the nature of the repair).
• If your landlord neglects or refuses to make the repair within a reasonable time, you have a legal right to get the repair done and deduct the cost from the cost of your rent. This procedure may be used twice in any 12-month period. The cost of the repair must not exceed one month's rent.
• If your own efforts to get repairs are not effective, try contacting the Building Inspection Department of your city.
  • If you've contacted the Building Inspection Department and your landlord still refuses or neglects to make repairs, you have the right to withhold rent payments. But be careful: the seriousness and duration of the violation are relevant factors. For example, a leaking roof during a rainy season would be considered a violation, but a few ants after the rain would not.

A tenant is responsible for:

• Paying rent on time
• Keeping the premises clean and undamaged
• Disposing of garbage and trash properly (unless the landlord has agreed to do this)
• Using all electrical, gas, and plumbing fixtures properly and keeping them as clean as their condition permits
• Keeping any person you've permitted on the premises from willfully damaging the premises or the facilities
• Using each room only for its intended purpose
• Informing the landlord of all roommate changes

To make sure your experience as a tenant is as enjoyable as possible:

• Be respectful of your landlord so that conflicts are easily resolved. If you are going to be late paying your rent, contact your landlord, explain the situation, and provide a date when you can pay.
• Obey the laws of your neighborhood, apartment complex, or homeowner's association.
• Keep the peace with your neighbors. Excessive noise is a valid reason for eviction.

You and your roommate(s) should:

• Be careful about sharing expenses for things like refrigerators or furniture. (What will happen when one or more roommates move out?)
• Decide how monthly bills (utilities, rent, etc.) will be divided and who is responsible for making sure the bill is paid. Keep track of who paid deposits for different utilities.
• Discuss the division of household duties. A cleaning schedule (dividing chores daily or weekly) is an effective way to do this.
• Talk about groceries and sharing food. Often, roommates will agree that everyone is responsible for their own grocery shopping, and food is generally not shared.
• Sign a roommate agreement clarifying responsibilities and setting ground rules for your home.