Tenants in Virginia don't have it easy with "junk fees."
What are junk fees, you ask? Well, these are monthly add-ons, such as trash fees and pest fees. With these extras, a tenant's monthly rent can increase to hundreds of dollars more than the advertised price.
Landlords say they charge these fees to offset other costs. They also say that since these are optional, tenants don't have to pay for the corresponding services, which are mostly maintenance-related.
Speaking of property maintenance, who should be in charge of it? Whether you're a landlord or tenant, here's what you need to know.
Property Maintenance: A Landlord's Duties
According to Virginia landlord-tenant law, there are certain maintenance duties a landlord must do to ensure their rental is compliant. Some of these include maintaining water supply systems and heaters for renters. They should also comply with building codes, keep common areas safe and usable, and make sure the utility bills are paid on time.
As for specific rental property repairs, a landlord must respond to repair requests promptly. It's also in your best interest to attend to these repairs ASAP because delaying or neglecting them will lead to significant costs in the future. Now, if a tenant causes property damage, you can use their security deposit for the repairs.
Rental Property Maintenance for Tenants
Maintenance isn't the sole responsibility of landlords. Tenants have to do their part to keep the unit habitable.
That means tenants are expected to follow sanitary practices. This includes proper trash removal. As a tenant, if you get pests from not cleaning your unit, it's on you to do something about it.
Other tenant responsibilities include complying with building and safety regulations. They should maintain the appliances and keep plumbing accessories clean. It's also their duty not to block emergency exits with storage boxes and to avoid any activities resulting in holes in the walls and broken windows.
How Property Management Services Can Help
Many things can add to landlord stress for landlords in Lovettsville, VA. If property maintenance is always a problem, consider working with a property management company.
From tenant screening to rental collection, property maintenance, and more, the right team can handle your top worries. They'll ensure you stay compliant while meeting your tenants' needs. Of course, they'll also make sure you don't get taken advantage of, so you can rest easy.
As for maintenance, remember that full-service management means full-service maintenance. Ashburn Property Management, for example, has a team ready to respond to maintenance and repair requests. We have a team of plumbers, HVAC technicians, and more who are licensed and insured, so you have nothing to worry about.
Let Us Help You With Your Maintenance Needs
If you're looking for a full-service property management company in Lovettsville, VA, look no further than Ashburn Property Management. We are part of a larger franchise, PMI Loudoun, which has been in the real estate industry for over two decades.
Don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can help you with property maintenance and other rental management concerns.
