Pub. 2 2017 Issue 1

13 ISSUE 1 2017 It’s also important to keep in mind that the tenant has some responsibilities toward upkeep, too. If a tenant’s babysitter tried to flush a toilet, and then a plumber has to come unclog the toilet, it’s the tenant who should be paying for that problem, not you. If the carpet has gotten old and worn, though, it’s your job to pay for the replacement. For a good overview of what Michigan requires of tenants and landlords, you might want to refer to Tenants and Landlords: A Practical Guide. You can find it online at www.legislature.mi.gov/ Publications/tenantlandlord.pdf. Unsafe, Dirty, and Deficient Rentals States have their own standards when it comes to tenant housing, and they are free to change those standards at any time. However, some basics apply everywhere. You should probably pay prompt attention to any of the following: • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions or common areas. • Deficiencies inanyof the following: the electrical system, heating, plumbing, hot and cold water, air conditioning, and air conditioning General Maintenance Not a l l maintenance and repair situations are the same. Sometimes, when the problem doesn’t seem like a serious one, having the tenant take care of the maintenance problem can seem like an attractive option. This is especially true in a larger property where numbers alone make the need for repairs more likely than might otherwise be the case. Unfortunately, though, there are a couple of down sides to the practice: • Suppose the tenant gets hurt while making the repair. You might have liability for any damages. • The tenant might not be qualified to make the repair and could end up making the maintenance problem worse. Even more serious, the result of an unprofessional repair might not be immediately apparent. In Conclusion As a general rule of thumb, it is better not to get into a situation where tenants are making repairs. The wiser course of action is to find and hire a licensed contractor or someone who does maintenance professionally. Being able to do that, though, depends on your willingness and ability as an apartment manager to deal decisively with any problems your tenants might have. Even though it is better for you to arrange for the repairs, the tenant also has the right to have the work done in a reasonable amount of time. By maintaining a good relationship with your tenants, and making it clear that you are a responsive landlord, you encourage the kind of relationships where your tenants will trust you to do the right thing, and to do it promptly. Doing sowill save youmany problems. By maintaining a good relationship with your tenants, and making it clear that you are a responsive landlord, you encourage the kind of relationships where your tenants will trust you to do the right thing, and to do it promptly. Doing sowill save youmany problems.