Duties and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
A tenant owes a landlord certain duties and responsibilities.
1. Tenant are expected to pay the rent by the due date
2. Tenant should keep the property at the same condition received
3. Tenants who are on a month-to month lease are required to give at least a 30-day notice before moving out. (landlord can sue for 30-days rent if tenant fails to give the notice)
4. Tenants may be held liable for injuries that are a result of tenant’s negligence or unsafe conditions. (it is recommended and sometimes required to purchase renter’s insurance)
5. Tenants have a duty not to interfere with the rights of other tenants.
6. Tenant has the right to use and enjoy the property. If tenant is unreasonably bothered by landlord or another person, the tenant may have the right to move out and pay no further rent. This process is called “Constructive Eviction”
7. All California residential rentals must meet a minimum housing and health codes. The landlord is responsible for meeting those codes. If the property falls below the codes as a result of tenants action or negligence, the landlord can take legal action against tenants.
8. Tenant can demand repairs for a property that falls below the minimum California code requirements, not as a result of tenants actions. If landlord refuses, tenant may use up to one month rent offset to conduct necessary repairs or may be able to abandon the property without owing any future rent.
* This article is presented for general purposes only. Please consult a professional for any specific case.