Berkeley Property Management: Understanding General Wear and Tear in Rental Properties + Precautions Landlords Should Take (2023)
The third quarter of the 2021 Market Medians Report indicates a significant rise in new tenancies in Berkeley, with a 104% increase (1863 new tenancies) compared to the same period in 2020 (913). If you own a residential property in Berkeley and are hesitant about finding a new tenant due to concerns about general wear and tear, it may be worthwhile to reconsider your decision.
As a landlord, finding reliable tenants for your Berkeley property management is crucial. It is essential to comprehend the natural deterioration in rental properties and the precautions landlords should take.
Did you know?
The total average rent ceiling in Berkeley for the year 2021 stood at $2,137.60.
General Wear and Tear: What Homeowners Must Know
The concept of ‘wear and tear’ usually refers to the expected deterioration of a residence and its fixtures due to regular and foreseeable usage over a period of time. It is common to encounter damages in any residential property due to regular, everyday usage. Examples include faded wall color or cracks in corners or on the floor. Such deterioration takes place throughout a tenant’s occupancy of the property.
It is typical for your property to experience wear and tear as a result of tenant usage, so you should anticipate the following damages.
- Faded or cracking paint is a common occurrence in residential properties that are in use.
- As part of your Berkeley property management responsibilities, it is important to address any damages or cracks in the flooring that you may encounter and ensure they are repaired.
- The doors or door frames may suffer damage due to humidity.
- It is common to discover cracked window panes in the house, which can be attributed to various reasons.
- Over time, the color of the carpet may diminish due to cleaning and exposure to light or chemicals.
- Regular usage can damage bathroom tiles, bathtubs, and other similar fixtures.
It is essential to be aware of significant damages that can be categorized as losses to your property. Furthermore, the tenants may have purposely caused the following damages:
- Carelessness can lead to the breakage of windows or doors.
- Unwanted stains on the wall or wallpaper may be present, which were not approved.
- Mishandling can result in a broken sink or bathtub.
Habitability and Maintenance
As a Berkeley property owner, you must understand the concept of habitability and repairs. It is mandated by regulations that rental units must be in a condition suitable for living, meeting the habitable standard. A rental unit is deemed habitable when it meets the standards outlined by state and local building and health codes, ensuring its suitability for human occupancy and prioritizing the well-being and safety of tenants.
Did you know?
California law assigns different repair responsibilities to landlords and tenants. However, landlords ultimately bear the legal obligation to ensure the habitability of their rental units.
Maintenance Duties of the Tenant
Your Berkeley property management task won’t seem difficult if you are planning to find tenants if you are aware of the maintenance rules of the tenants. According to the law, tenants are responsible for maintaining the rental units in good condition. It includes keeping the areas clean and free from damage. Tenants are also accountable for repairing any damages caused by their neglect and addressing damages caused by individuals under their responsibility, such as family members and pets.
Did you know?
According to law, when a rental unit is uninhabitable, the landlord may not have a legal obligation to make repairs if the tenant has failed to fulfill their responsibilities.
Precautions That Landlords Must Take
Making Withdrawals from Security Deposits:
If you clearly understand the concept of general ‘wear and tear,’ you would know that it is a normal occurrence. If you come across any damages caused by tenants’ negligence, you can deduct the necessary amount from their security deposit. The leading providers of property management services always suggest that it is important to familiarize yourself with local laws before taking any action in this regard.
Have Before and After Images:
Prior to the tenant’s occupancy, it is essential to capture photographs of every area within the rental unit. Remember to share these pictures with the tenants when handing over the keys. Similarly, when the tenants vacate, take photographs of the previously documented areas and compare them. This will enable a discussion on any damages that may have occurred and facilitate finding a resolution.
Tenant’s Background Check:
Among your Berkeley property management responsibilities, you must perform comprehensive background checks to ensure that responsible tenants occupy your property. Additionally, you can review all prospective tenants’ complete eviction history report before making a decision.
Endnote
As a landlord, it is wise to make informed decisions regardless of who you choose to lease your residential property to. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with state and local laws for tenants and landlords. Furthermore, finding responsible tenants is of utmost importance, so it is recommended not to rush into decisions. If you encounter difficulties reaching satisfactory resolutions even after discussions, seeking assistance from legal experts is highly recommended.