{"id":18647,"date":"2022-12-02T16:38:05","date_gmt":"2022-12-03T00:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=18647"},"modified":"2025-12-30T14:07:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T22:07:56","slug":"top-rental-laws-landlords-should-explain-to-owners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/top-rental-laws-landlords-should-explain-to-owners\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Rental Laws Property Managers Should Explain to Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Between learning landlord-tenant laws, managing tenant relationships, property maintenance, and financial tasks, managing a rental property is a big task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no wonder that property investors are eager to hand over the reins to a seasoned property manager. While a great property manager can make an owner\u2019s job easy, there is still essential information that an owner should know. As a property manager, giving your owner this information can ensure that you and your property owners are on the same page and are able to provide excellent service to your client\u2019s tenants. It can also prevent uncomfortable (or illegal) suggestions or situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, any procedures and vital details should be outlined in your management agreement with your owners. However, providing a cheat sheet of information regarding top rental laws can ensure that your owners know about these policies long before an issue arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Rental Laws You Should Know as a Property Owner<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Entry:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As an owner of a property, you may expect to make repairs or check in as you see fit. However, a property manager\u2019s job is to assess this need and the condition of the property. Moreover, your local laws require that tenants receive ample notice of a visit–with exceptions made only for emergencies. For this reason, it is vital that owners do not show up at the property for surprise inspections or to perform maintenance unexpectedly. Property owners must remember that tenants have the right to the implied warranty of quiet enjoyment of the property, and any concerns should be addressed with the property manager, who can then can coordinate with the tenant. Otherwise, you could be infringing on your tenants\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn more: Right to Implied Warranty or Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment | Clause Breaches & More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Security Deposits Must Be Saved:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you hold onto your tenant\u2019s security deposit; it might be tempting to dip into those funds to cover expenditures or general maintenance during their tenancy. Unfortunately, this is not an appropriate use of the security deposit funds; you cannot assume that your tenant will not receive their deposit at the end of their tenancy. Every state has different state laws regarding security deposits<\/a>, and each state has its own regulations about what can reasonably be deducted from the deposit. Overall, it is best practice to allow your property manager to securely store those funds in a separate account so that they are readily available when your tenant is ready to move out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn more: Security Deposit Laws, Limits & Deadlines – State Guide for Rentals<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Habitability Requirements:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Property managers may take care of your day-to-day operations for your investment property, but as an owner, you will still have some key responsibilities. Along with your property manager, you are responsible for maintaining a safe and habitable environment for your tenants. This means that owners should expect to have a reserve of funds that can be used to cover any immediate threats to habitability; this will include repairs to essential services and may include covering the costs for alternative living arrangements in accordance with your state\u2019s laws.

Your property manager will also advise on needed updates or maintenance to prevent a spendy repair down the road. Additionally, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage on your rental property. Remember that homeowners insurance and rental property insurance is not the same, and protecting your investment will require having the right insurance for your rental property<\/a>. This will help you to restore your property in the event that damage to the dwelling occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While each state will have its own requirements for habitability, the essential services listed below can be used as a springboard to assess where emergent repairs may be needed. Be ready to provide your property manager with the funds to address any of the following issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your property may be considered uninhabitable if it severely lacks:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n