The relationship between a landlord and a tenant is a complex arrangement that involves both parties fulfilling duties in exchange for benefits. A tenant is expected to respect the property and pay rent on time, while a landlord has to do several things to ensure the property is a safe and habitable environment. In the state of California, landlords are typically obliged to meet these key requirements, which apply to all types of rental units, including condos, penthouses, and lofts in downtown San Diego.
Provide a Habitable Property
A landlord’s first responsibility is to provide a property that meets California’s requirements for a habitable environment, which includes lockable doors, running water, electricity, plumbing, telephone jacks, heating facilities, mail receptacles, garbage disposal areas, and waterproof walls, roofs, windows, and doors. The building must also be up to local fire safety and building codes, which regulate things such as the size of windows and types of materials that must be used.
Make Repairs to Maintain a Safe Environment
A landlord’s responsibilities don’t end once a tenant moves in. The landlord still has to provide maintenance and repairs to keep the property in good shape. For minor repairs that don’t pose an immediate danger, such as a broken washing machine, the landlord has 30 days to fix the problem. More serious problems, such as a lack of running water or heat, should be fixed within three to seven days.
Give Proper Notifications
Landlords have a responsibility to allow tenants to quietly enjoy their properties without sudden invasions of privacy, which means a landlord must give a tenant 24 hours’ notice before entering the property unless they’re entering to fix an emergency. Landlords also have to give a notice of three days if the tenant is late on the rent or a three-day notice to correct lease violations before beginning the eviction process.
Provide Access to the Property for the Length of the Lease
One of the biggest responsibilities of a landlord is simply to give the tenant access to the property for the agreed-upon length of time. The only way a landlord is legally allowed to evict a renter before the lease term ends is by going to court. For a fixed-term tenancy, the landlord isn’t required to give the tenant notice to move out at the end of the lease. With a month-to-month lease, the landlord does have the responsibility to provide the tenant with a 30-day written notice.
Meet Any Other Terms in the Lease
Keep in mind the above requirements aren’t the only ones a landlord has to meet. Legally, landlords must meet all lease terms (except for those that are illegal), which means a landlord may be required to give a tenant additional notice, take rent through a certain payment portal, or allow a tenant to alter the property.
If you’re considering buying downtown San Diego real estate as a way to generate rental income, it’s important to be aware of what your responsibilities will be as a landlord. It’s also important to work with experienced real estate agents who know the ins and outs of buying property in the downtown districts of America’s Finest City. Rely on the professionals at 92101 Urban Living when you’re ready to find just the right property for your needs. Give us a call at 619-649-0368.