How A Family Law Attorney Can Help

What You Must Tell Your Tenant

As a landlord, you are required to disclose information that will let the tenant know whether there is anything particularly dangerous about your property and which will also help your tenant determine whether he or she would like to move into your apartment.

Make sure that the legal forms and the lease agreement that you provide the tenant is looked over by a real estate attorney. Do not simply use a template you discovered somewhere because templates are not tailored to the laws of your particular state. Along with the lease, you should provide your tenant with a disclosure form, often simply a print-out, that explains the types of hazards present in the home and explains the risks associated with these hazards.

Lead Paint

Your tenant will need to be informed of whether the property used lead paint. The tenant will need to sign an EPA-approved disclosure form to prove that the tenant was informed about the existence of lead paint. Failing to comply with this regulation can lead to large fines.

Asbestos

The tenant must know whether asbestos is present on your property. The minimum legal requirements are that the asbestos must not create conditions that cause the property to not be habitable. For example if the asbestos is within the walls and would only become a risk after renovation of said wall, the property would be considered habitable.

Mold

If you have reason to believe that mold exists on your property, you will need to inform your tenant. Certain states have also set laws that establish the permissible levels of mold that are allowed.

Sex Offenders

It may be a requirement that tenants be informed about individuals who are on the sex offender registry in your neighborhood. You should consult with a lawyer because you may not be required to disclose this information if the police intend to distribute information regarding the location of the sex offender.

The Tenant's Right To Privacy

You should inform your tenant about his or her right to privacy. Many tenants aren't aware of what you are legally obligated to do and these confusions can cause the tenant to consider filing a lawsuit when one is not appropriate.

Electrical, Plumbing And Water Damage Issues

Electrical issues, plumbing issues and water damage should be disclosed to the tenant. If these issues can be repaired, the tenant should be informed on how soon these issues will be resolved. If they cannot be repaired, the tenant should have the nature of the problem fully disclosed.


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