Renting a home in Michigan to a tenant can often bring in more income for your family. However, there are a few obligations that you have as a landlord to make the living environment as comfortable as possible for your tenants.
Deposits
While it is your right to require a security deposit, especially if you will allow pets in the home, there are landlord-tenant laws that dictate the limits of how much you can charge. Details surrounding how the tenant can get the deposit back and what it would be used for after the tenant moves out of the home and wouldn’t be eligible to get the deposit back are typically discussed before accepting any funds from the tenant.
Availability
As a landlord, one of the obligations that you have to your tenants is to be available to them. If there is a maintenance issue that is not due to something that they did or if there is an emergency with the home, then it’s the landlord’s responsibility to take care of these matters. If you give a date for when the tenant can move into the home, then this date should be upheld by having the home ready on time. Consider offering multiple phone numbers and other methods of contact so that the tenant can get in touch with you in any situation that arises. Keep in mind that there are certain basic necessities that are typically required for the landlord to have in the home, such as a heat source and running water.
Understanding your responsibilities can make the landlord-tenant relationship go more smoothly. This can lead to increased profits for you and peace of mind for both parties.