Spiders Ants

[Walby]

Hi Expert:  I am a first time landloard and need your advise.

1. Three months after the tenant moved in, he says there are ants around the barbecue and spiders in the house, and asks me to take care of. Should I reject it?(since the leases states that the tenant should keep the rental property clean). 2. He asks me to repair a broken sprinkle that was new when he moved in. Should I reject it? Thank you!

[Alo]

Hi Danny,

Thank you for your question.  Each state has their own laws so you want to make sure you check with your state's landlord/tenant laws.  Normally, you would first look to the contract and see what it says regarding repairs.  Does it say who will be responsible for minor repairs?  If the lease only says that the tenant should keep the property "clean," then I would play it safe and say that you as the landlord should take care of the spiders and ants and sprinkler.  If any major issues come up that would be considered a habitability issue, such as a broken lock, water that doesn't work, etc., then you would need to immediately have those items fixed.  I recommend that for any repairs, you tell the tenant that he needs to put in a written request to you.  Then, once you fix it, you need to keep written receipts/records to show that you fixed it.  You always want to keep a written record.  My firm provides a repair notice form for free(but it is California specific).  http://www.attorneydavid.com/landlord-and-eviction-forms.html

Thanks for your question!

David Piotrowski

Attorney at Lawhttp://www.AttorneyDavid.com

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