Caring For an Apartment: your Rights and Responsibilities by Bruce Roberts

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As a tenant, you have rights. Though it will depend on where you live, you typically have the right to live in your space without harassment from your landlord, the freedom to request 24-hours notice and permission before your landlord enters your property, and the expectation that the property and included appliances will be maintained to a particular standard. On the other hand, you also have responsibilities.
If you're a new tenant or have questions about caring for a rental apartment, keep reading.
The Lawn: Whose Job is It?
Exactly who is responsible for maintaining the grounds and sidewalks will depend on your lease or rental agreement. Most landlords take on this job themselves.
Regardless of who is caring for the outside of the property, you should respect the land and keep it free from debris and obstructions. If you're using the driveway, you need to also keep it clean and clear.
Holes and Marks on the Walls
While a reasonable amount of wear and tear is to be expected, you likely won't receive your full deposit back if you return an apartment to your landlord with holes in the walls and giant scuff marks on the ceiling.
Before you make any major renovations or start painting, check with your landlord and scan through your lease to see what you can and can't do. Also, if there is an accident that requires major repair, talk to your landlord about either fixing the problem yourself or forfeiting part of your deposit to pay for the problem.
A quick fix for scuffed up and marked walls is to wash them down and paint them in a similar neutral color before you leave the space.
Flooring
Do your best to keep the floors in the condition in which you found them. Try putting felt pads on your furniture legs to minimize scratching. Also, avoid wearing your shoes inside, and always clean up spills quickly.
If you're worried about your deposit, have the carpets cleaned before you return the apartment keys. Alternatively, some landlords charge a standard cleaning fee at the signing of any lease, so you may be able to skip this step.
Ideally, you want to return the apartment in the condition it was in when you first rented it. For your own protection and the security of your deposit, take photos of the apartment when you first move in. Then, if a "he-said-she-said" problem arises with your landlord, you'll have your original photographs to back it up.
About the Author
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