How to Ensure You Uphold Your Responsibilities as a Landlord Under the Term of Your Lease in the State of Colorado
As you know, a lease is a legally-binding contract between you – the landlord – and yourtenant. It is designed to grant said tenant the usage of your property, for a specific amount of time, in exchange for rent monies.
It includes terms or rules in which you and your tenant agree to for the duration of the lease and while the tenant has exclusive privilege to your property.
Examples include the amount of the security deposit, the amount of rent due, when rent is due, and property maintenance specifications. A lease also includes the rights and the overall responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant.
In this guide, you will learn how to make certain that you legally uphold your responsibilities as the landlord within the State of Colorado.
Maintaining and Repairing Your Property
The first step to ensuring that you stay within the legal bounds of your lease – as a landlord – is understanding that Colorado law states that you are responsible for maintaining and repairing your property, based on the following:
- If the lease states that you are responsible for the repairs and/or maintenance required
- If the unit is considered to be uninhabitable or unfit
- If the rental is considered to be a potential danger to a tenant – be it physical, health-wise, or based on safety
- Equipment that is dependent on gas is producing a hazardous condition
- Common areas are considered to be unsafe
- Activities must be completed in order to ensure conformity to the Property Maintenance Code where the rental is located
Adherence to Local Codes and Ordinances
In order to rent in Colorado, you must know the local codes and ordinances of the region where your rental is located. These are put into place to ensure that your tenant has decent, safe housing that is considered to be sanitary. Examples of codes and ordinances include:
- Minimum Electrical Outlets and Lights Per Room
- Heating
- Emergency Escapes
- Hot Water
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Functioning Plumbing
- Ample Parking
- Windows
- Occupancy Limits
Property Management Helps with Landlord Responsibilities
One of the best ways to make certain that you are meeting all of your legal obligations is to enlist the assistance of a property management company. These professionals specialize in overseeing rental property, acting on behalf of the owner, and ensuring the rights of tenants are upheld.
Additionally, property managers may conduct tenant searches, conduct screenings, handle the financial affairs of your business, make necessary repairs, perform maintenance, and even create the lease agreements that you use to create agreements with tenants to use your property.
We Can Help
If you want to make sure all of your bases are covered – as a landlord – we here at Pioneer Property Management can help you! We offer a multitude of services that will allow you to enjoy the proceeds from your rental business – without all of the hassle!
