Duties of the Lessor in a Contract of Lease

When entering into a contract of lease, both parties have certain rights and responsibilities. The lessor, or landlord, has specific duties that they must fulfill in order to maintain a healthy and cooperative relationship with their lessee, or tenant. In this article, we will discuss the duties of the lessor in a contract of lease.

1. Disclosure of Information

The first duty of the lessor is to disclose all relevant information about the property to the lessee before the contract is signed. This includes the condition of the property, any defects or issues, and any potential hazards that may affect the lessee`s health or safety.

2. Providing Safe and Functional Housing

The lessor is responsible for providing safe and functional housing to the lessee. This means that the property must be free from any health or safety hazards, and all necessary repairs and maintenance must be performed in a timely manner.

3. Respect for Privacy

The lessor must also respect the privacy of the lessee. The lessor cannot enter the property without the lessee`s permission, except in cases of emergency or when it is necessary to perform repairs or maintenance.

4. Maintaining the Property

The lessor is responsible for maintaining the property in good condition throughout the duration of the lease. The lessor must make all necessary repairs and maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition.

5. Notification of Repairs

The lessor must notify the lessee in advance if they need to enter the property to perform repairs or maintenance. The lessor must also provide reasonable notice before terminating the lease agreement.

6. Security Deposit

The lessor must handle the security deposit in accordance with applicable state laws. This includes providing the lessee with an itemized list of deductions, as well as returning the security deposit within the required timeframe.

7. Abiding by Fair Housing Laws

Finally, the lessor must abide by all applicable fair housing laws. This means that the lessor cannot discriminate against prospective tenants based on their race, gender, religion, or any other protected class.

In conclusion, the lessor in a contract of lease has several important duties to fulfill in order to provide safe and functional housing to the lessee. By fulfilling these duties, the lessor can create a positive and cooperative relationship with their lessee and avoid any potential legal issues.