Home
/ Commuter Students
/
Responsibilites
Learn about your responsibilities as
a tenant and the responsibilities of your landlord and any roommate(s).
Tenant (you)
-
A tenant is responsible for:
-
Paying rent on time
-
Keeping the premises clean and undamaged
-
Disposing of garbage and trash properly (unless
the landlord has agreed to do this)
-
Using all electrical, gas, and plumbing fixtures
properly and keeping them as clean as
their condition permits
-
Keeping any person you've permitted on the premises
from willfully damaging
the premises or the facilities
-
Using each room only for its intended purpose
-
Informing the landlord of all roommate changes
-
To make sure your experience as a tenant is as enjoyable as possible:
-
Be respectful of your landlord so that conflicts are
easily resolved. If you are going to be late paying your rent, contact
your landlord, explain the situation, and provide a date when you can
pay.
-
Obey the laws of your neighborhood, apartment complex, or homeowner's association.
-
Keep the peace with your neighbors. Excessive noise is a valid reason for eviction.
Your roommate(s)
You and your roommate(s) should:
-
Be careful about sharing expenses for things
like refrigerators or furniture. (What will happen when one or more
roommates move out?)
-
Decide how monthly bills (utilities, rent, etc.) will
be divided and who is responsible for making sure the bill is paid.
Keep track of who paid deposits for different utilities.
-
Discuss the division of household duties. A
cleaning schedule (dividing chores daily or weekly) is an effective way
to do this.
-
Talk about groceries and sharing food. Often, roommates will agree that everyone is
responsible for their own grocery shopping, and food is generally not
shared.
-
Sign a roommate agreement clarifying responsibilities and setting ground rules
for your home.
Last Updated 9/17/10
