Is it an offence to enter a rental unit?
Is it an offence to enter a rental unit?
It is an offence to enter a rental unit without first complying with the requirements of the Act. A landlord can be fined up to $25,000 if found guilty of an offence under the Act. Silvana, thank you for all of the information you’ve provided in this podcast. You’re welcome. This has been Sound Advice for Landlords.
Can a landlord enter a rental unit at any time?
And are landlords restricted from entering the rental unit at certain times? Landlords can only enter the rental unit between 8 am or 8 pm. Unless the rental agreement requires the landlord to clean the unit and it allows different hours for cleaning. Let’s talk about situations where no notice is required, can you tell us what those are?
Can a renter paint or alter their rental unit?
Tenants want their rental unit to feel like home, and one way to accomplish this is to paint or otherwise alter the property to make it feel more personal. But as a landlord, should you let your tenant paint the unit? Learn the benefits and risks of allowing a tenant to make alterations to the rental. What Does the Lease Say?
Can a tenant change the condition of a rental property?
No alterations: The tenant must return the rental property at move out, in the same condition it was in at move in, less normal wear and tear. The tenant is not allowed to paint, alter or otherwise modify the rental unit.
Is it illegal to have a rental unit without an address?
No address or way of receiving mail. Most of the time, a rental unit that does not have its own address is illegal. Also, if there is not a method for the tenant to receive mail, like their own mailbox, then the unit is probably illegal. Make sure you are aware of landlords’ mailbox requirements as well.
What makes an apartment an illegal rental unit?
If the tenant is sharing the utility bills (gas, electric, water, etc.) with the landlord, or the landlord is paying for the utilities entirely, the rental unit may be illegal. This is a sign because it means that the rental unit is not being separately metered.
Do you have to be habitable to pay rent?
No tenant should live with run-down furnishings and fixtures when we’re paying rent. A real habitability standard would obligate the landlord to at least provide the maintenance necessary to renew the premises as wear takes its toll.
When does a landlord have to give a tenant a receipt?
A landlord is required to give a tenant a receipt for a rent payment upon request or one that is paid in cash. (In Anne Arundel County, a landlord is required to give a receipt unless the payment is made by check or unless the tenant rents the property for commercial or business purposes.)