Landlords' Responsibilities
Buying a property to fix up and rent to others is a popular way to earn money, and many people find it enjoyable as well. Before you begin, however, it is very important to do your research so that you know what you are getting into. The laws regulating tenant-landlord relationships can vary from place to place, so be sure to look for information specific to your area. Certain general guidelines are virtually universal, however, so we will outline them here.
What Landlords Must Provide
A responsible landlord will provide the following:
- A clean environment
- Safety for all tenants
- Adequately heating
- Clean drinking water
- Basic repairs, both on general property and inside apartments
The Texas Fair Housing Act
Every Austin property leaser should also be familiar with the Texas Fair Housing Act, which regulates property rentals. Its main purpose is to prevent discrimination in housing. Specifically, it is illegal to discriminate against tenants on the basis of:
- Race or color
- Gender
- Religion
- National origin
- Disability
- Family status (meaning whether a family has children under 18)
If a tenant has a disability, his or her landlord is legally required to accommodate him or her within reasonable limits. Before a property is rented out, its owner should make sure that its rooms, light switches, thermometers, and other environmental controls are accessible to someone in a wheelchair.
Learn more about Austin Property
With it large number of college students looking for a short-term place to stay, Austin is a great city for prospective landlords. To learn more about available homes, contact the Austin real estate agents of the Carvajal Group by calling 512-419-7770.
