When renting in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, knowing what maintenance tasks you're responsible for - and which ones fall to your landlord - can save you a lot of headaches.
In this blog post, our expert team at PMI Ocean State will break down both the legal and optional property maintenance responsibilities that tenants may encounter while renting a property here in Woonsocket.
We'll also highlight the legal responsibilities that landlords in Rhode Island have to adhere to. Let's get started.
Legal Responsibilities of Tenants
Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets out clear rules for landlords and tenants. Consider this your guidebook as either a tenant or a landlord in the state.
For tenants, the first thing they are expected to do is keep the rental unit clean. Now, this doesn't mean they need to scrub floors every day, but they should keep things tidy and dispose of trash properly.
It's also necessary to use both fixtures and appliances within the unit correctly. Essentially, this means not overloading outlets, not damaging plumbing, and using all equipment as intended.
While it almost goes without saying, it's worth pointing out that tenants must not cause damage to the unit and common areas within the grounds itself. If a tenant causes damage, they should let their landlord know as soon as possible to discuss how to fix it.
Optional Tenant Responsibilities
There are some maintenance tasks that aren't required by law but might be part of the lease terms or something tenants simply choose to do. For example, tenants may agree to take care of the property's garden, if there is one.
Additionally, some tenants also choose to handle small tasks themselves, like changing light bulbs or air filters. These are not legal requirements, but doing them can help keep your rental unit in good condition and make your living space more comfortable.
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords
For tenants in Rhode Island, it's beneficial to know where their responsibilities end and those of their landlord begin. Put simply, landlords here must provide a safe and habitable rental property for their tenants.
This means they must ensure basic utilities like water, electricity, and heat work properly. Landlords are also responsible for major repairs, like fixing a leaking roof or broken plumbing.
Furthermore, landlords must keep common areas clean and safe. This includes hallways, staircases, and outdoor spaces. They also need to make sure the building meets safety codes and provides access to trash disposal facilities.
Hiring an experienced property management company can help landlords stay compliant.
Property Maintenance Rules in Woonsocket, RI
The bottom line is that knowing tenant maintenance responsibilities in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is key to a successful rental experience. Keeping the rental space clean, avoiding a breach of lease terms, and communicating with the landlord when issues arise are all important.
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, we at PMI Ocean State are here to help. As a property management company with nearly 20 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of property maintenance costs and laws in the state.
To learn more about our services, contact us today.
