Rental property maintenance - who is responsible and pays for what?

The ability to continue earning a good return on a rental property investment requires it to be well-maintained and to meet the needs of tenants.

The adage that "prevention is better than cure" is particularly applicable to property maintenance. Repairs can be costly. Maintenance of the property should therefore be stipulated in the lease agreement which should set out who is responsible for the various aspects of maintenance of the property.

Inspections

Property is not a passive investment, but requires hands-on management which includes regular inspection to ensure it is maintained. At the very least, an incoming and outgoing inspection should be done, not just as a legal requirement, but as a vital step to ensuring the property is handed over in a good state and returned in the same state, fair wear and tear obviously excepted.

Landlord responsibilities

The owner/landlord of the property is usually responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and all fixtures. This includes the walls, roof, plumbing, wiring and electricity, stove, geyser and swimming pool as well as doors and gates including garage doors.

Since a swimming pool and the garden are often aspects which, when neglected can be costly to restore, it may be advisable for the landlord to contract maintenance services and to include the costs in the monthly rental.

It is also the responsibility of the owner/landlord to insure property adequately against fire, flood and other structural damages.

Tenant responsibilities

The tenant is usually responsible for the ongoing upkeep of the property including keeping it clean and maintained, replacing light bulbs, keeping the walls clean, bathrooms and the kitchen in good working order, cupboards maintained and so on.

Maintenance issue such as a faulty or burst geyser must immediately be reported to the landlord/owner (or their agent as the case may be). Any damage or maintenance due to tenant negligence will be for the account of the tenant.

The tenant may not default on their rent or hold back partial payment should you believe that the landlord is not fulfilling their obligations.

The tenant will also need to insure the contents of the property and their personal possessions and it is advisable to include personal liability cover in the event that someone is for example injured at the property such as falling downstairs.

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