Landlords can charge tenants for rent, security deposits, and utilities within legal limits. In addition, landlords may also charge tenants for late fees and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
In most cases, landlords are allowed to charge for rent, security deposit, and utilities such as water, heat, and electricity.
Additionally, you might incur a late fee or lose part of your security deposit if you do not comply with the terms of the lease agreement.
However, landlords cannot charge for repairs related to normal wear and tear, and potential tenants should be aware of this while renting or leasing the property.
Understanding Tenant Rights And Landlord Obligations
Overview Of Tenant Rights And Landlord Obligations
When it comes to renting, both tenants and landlords have certain rights and obligations that must be observed.
It’s essential for tenants to understand their rights, and for landlords to know their obligations. This ensures a healthy and legal relationship between both parties.
Below are the key points you should understand.
Explaining The Uniform Residential Landlord And Tenant Act
The uniform residential landlord and tenant act (urlta) is a set of laws put in place to ensure fair and consistent treatment of tenants across the united states.
Although every state has its version of landlord-tenant laws, the urlta provides a framework for these laws, ensuring their uniformity.
The urlta lays down specific guidelines on how landlords should handle security deposits, rent payments, evictions, and other related issues.
A few things to note about urlta include:
- Urlta prohibits landlords from charging excessive amounts for security deposits.
- It prohibits landlords from charging more than a month’s rent as a security deposit.
- Urlta requires landlords to provide tenants with written notice of the use of their security deposit.
Detailing What Landlords Can And CanNot Charge Tenants For
Prior to renting a property, landlords must provide a lease agreement that outlines both parties’ responsibilities.
Here are some things landlords can and cannot charge tenants for.
What Landlords Can Charge Tenants For
Rent payments
This is the most obvious cost tenants must pay. Rent charges are typically due each month.
Utilities
The landlord can charge tenants for utilities if they do not include them in the rent. Landlords must specify which utilities they are adding to the lease agreement.
Late fees
This one is tricky. Although landlords can charge tenants late fees for delayed rent payments, the fee must be reasonable and non-punitive.
Pet fees
If tenants have pets, landlords can charge a one-time non-refundable fee or a monthly fee.
What Landlords Cannot Charge Tenants For
- Background check fees: Charging tenants to conduct background checks is not allowed by most state’s landlord-tenant laws.
- Cleaning fees: Most u.s. states prohibit landlords from charging tenants for cleaning fees.
- Normal wear and tear: Landlords cannot charge tenants for the normal wear and tear that occurs after a tenant moves out.
Types Of Charges Landlords Can Legally Impose
As a tenant, you might wonder what types of charges your landlord can legally impose on you.
It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities as a renter to avoid any misunderstandings that may lead to disputes.
Here are the different types of charges landlords can legally impose on tenants:
Rent And Late Payment Fees
The most common charge that landlords impose is rent. Rent is the payment required in exchange for living or using rented property.
Landlords have the right to charge rent, and tenants must pay it on time. Late payment fees may also be imposed if the tenant fails to pay the rent on the due date.
The amount of late payment fees can be specified in the rental agreement.
Security Deposit And What It Covers
A security deposit is a payment made by a tenant at the start of a rental agreement to cover any damage done to the property while the tenant is living there.
Landlords can legally collect and hold security deposits, but they must be returned to the tenant at the end of the lease under certain conditions.
The security deposit can only be used to cover damages that are beyond normal wear and tear and for unpaid rent or fees.
Utilities, Maintenance, And Repair Fees
Utilities are services such as electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet that are necessary to live in a property.
Tenants are generally responsible for paying their utilities, but sometimes landlords may include them in the rent.
Maintenance and repair fees may be charged if a tenant damages or breaks something in the property, which is beyond normal wear and tear.
Parking And Storage Fees
Landlords can charge tenants for parking and storage fees if the rental agreement specifies it.
Parking fees can be a flat rate or hourly, and tenants may need to purchase a parking sticker to park on the property.
Storage fees can be charged if the tenant requests a storage space or if storage space is included in the rental unit.
Frequently Asked Questions On What Can Tenants Be Charged For
What Can Landlords Charge Tenants For?
Landlords can charge tenants for rent, security deposit, late fees, and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Can Landlords Charge Tenants For Repairs?
Landlords can charge tenants for damages caused by tenants, but landlords are responsible for repairs resulting from normal wear and tear.
Can Landlords Charge Tenants For Utilities?
Landlords can charge tenants for utilities if agreed upon in the lease agreement, but cannot increase the charges during the lease term.
What Is The Maximum Security Deposit Landlords Can Charge?
The maximum security deposit landlords can charge varies by state but generally ranges from one to two months’ rent.
Conclusion
Your understanding of potential charges is key as a tenant. You can typically be charged for rent, security deposits, and sometimes utilities.
Remember, unreported damages, unpaid rent, or additional fees might be deducted from your deposit. So, ensure your responsibility for a stress-free rental experience.