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Renter Responsibilities Revisited.
You read this before signing. Read it again now — the difference between what's your problem and what's the landlord's is easier to see once you're actually living there.
Every lease is different.
These are the general lines most leases draw. Your specific lease, your welcome letter, and your state's laws will refine them. Use the Lease Clauses That Raise Eyebrows checklist to find where your lease deviates.
Typically the renter's job
- Keeping the unit clean and reasonably tidy
- Replacing consumables — light bulbs, batteries in smoke detectors, air filters (often)
- Reporting issues promptly — waiting weeks to report a leak can shift liability
- Managing your own pests when the cause is inside the unit (crumbs, clutter)
- Renters insurance where required by the lease
- Any damage caused by you, your household, or your guests — beyond normal wear and tear
- Following community rules (quiet hours, common areas, amenities)
Typically the landlord's job
- Habitability — running water, working heat, functioning plumbing, secure exterior doors and windows
- Structural upkeep — roof, walls, foundation, flooring
- Building systems — HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevators
- Building pest control (rodents, termites, systemic infestations)
- Timely response to service requests within their stated policy
- Compliance with local habitability, safety, and Fair Housing laws
Printable Renter Responsibilities PDF
Optional printable version of this resource.
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