If you rent a property in the Sarasota or Bradenton area, are you liable for damages to the property? What about if someone gets hurt while visiting you? Sometimes the lines can seem blurred when it come to renter’s liability and responsibility when under a lease agreement. In this blog we will discuss the types of situations which renters may face, and who is responsible for taking care of the costs of remediation.
There are two distinct areas of concern for renters: who is responsible for repairs and broken items, and who is responsible if there is an injury on premises. We will handle these one at a time.
Renter’s Responsibility for Repairs
The simplest way to figure out who is responsible for what is to check your lease or rental agreement. The expectations and responsibilities are generally outlined fairly clearly, and typically include:
- A dollar amount which is the threshold for repairs. In other words, anything over $50 is the responsibility of the landlord, but anything under that dollar amount is the resposibility of the tenant.
- Items which affect health or safety are generally the responsibility of the landlord, such as a broken front door lock, or a malfunctioning air conditioner.
- Small wear and tear items (such as changing light bulbs and air conditioning filters) often fall under the resposibility of the tenant. If the item breaks due to age or normal wear and tear, the landlord should fix it. However, if a tenant’s cat tears apart the window blinds, that would be a clear case of renter’s liability.
If you and your landlord have a good relationship, you will likely fall into a routine as to repairs. Fixing small items which you are capable of handling on your own will not only keep you from annoying your landlord, but will allow you to fix things more quickly, as a general rule. Never attempt to fix or replace a major item without consulting the owner of the property as to how they would like to handle it.
Renter’s Liability for Injury
Although laws can differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, landlords are typically responsible for properly maintaining common areas; warning of hidden dangers which a tenant should be aware of, and to provide adequate lighting. Landlords may also be responsible for fixing broken sidewalks or driveways, and maintaining porches, decks or stairs which may be deteriorating. If a tenant injures themselves because a rental property has not been properly maintained, the landlord may be at fault.
However, the landlord is not responsible for an injury caused by the negligence of their tenant or a tenant’s guest. In fact, a guest injury may be attributed to the renter’s liability.
Renter’s insurance is highly recommended for tenants living in someone else’s property. A renters insurance policy typically includes three types of coverage which protect the individual, their belongings and personal property, and replacement living arrangements after a covered loss.
- Personal Property coverage includes reimbursement for the cost to repair or replace belongings (furniture, clothing) up to the limits in the policy.
- Liability coverage handles repairs if the tenant accidentally damages the property, or a visitor’s medical bills if found responsible for their injuries.
- Additional Living Expense coverage will pay you for extra costs incurred if the rental property is damaged or destroyed, such as hotel bills. This does not cover damage to the rental property if it is the tenant’s fault.
If you have questions about renter’s insurance or renter’s liability when renting a property, call the experts at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group. No matter the situation, we have the coverage to protect you.
