General Obligations of Landlords and Tenants

Missouri Attorney General, Jun 18, 2007

Landlord-tenant disputes are a common occurrence in the renting process, and many could be avoided if both parties were aware of their rights and responsibilities.

General obligations of tenants
Tenants should:

• Pay rent on time.
• Use reasonable care and not damage property.
• Properly dispose of garbage.
• Refrain from taking on additional occupants or subleasing without the landlord's written permission.

General obligations of landlords
Landlords should:

• Make property habitable before tenants move in.
• Make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear.
• Refrain from turning off a tenant's water, electricity or gas.
• Provide written notice to tenants when ownership of the property is transferred to a new landlord.
• Not unlawfully discriminate.

Put it in writing
The best way to avoid later problems is to address issues in a lease. Put it in writing who has to mow the lawn, fix a clogged sink or pay the utility bills.