It is very important for all parties to know and understand their responsibilities. Landlords who are ignorant of their responsibilities often end up alienating good tenants, drawing the unwanted attention of local housing inspectors, and losing money. Tenants, who are unaware of these responsibilities, may unwittingly live in substandard conditions, do the landlord's job for them, and fail to seek legitimate means of recourse.

Tenants should take an active part in determining that the rental they are considering is in compliance with all municipal codes and regulations. To find out more about its requirements, contact the municipality in which you are considering residing. Click here for contact information. Rutgers Off-Campus Housing Service strongly encourages all tenants to rent only those spaces that are in full compliance with municipality codes and regulations.

Tenants should always assess security measures (deadbolts, keyed window locks, outside lights) and fire safety precautions (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems) before signing a lease.

Remember that if you do not know what your responsibilities are, you may be breaking your lease or making it easier for the landlord to evict you under the Just Cause for Eviction Act.

:: Care of the Property 

You are responsible for any damage done to the property by you, your children, guests, or pets if it is more than "normal wear and tear". The landlord may try to evict you for destroying the property. *Safety note: All fire escapes, stairways and common hallways must be kept free of any personal belongings.

:: Insurance 

Renters are accountable for insuring their own personal property against loss or damage and obtaining liability coverage. Anyone who rents, including students who live in university residence halls, should consider looking into renters insurance because losses from theft, fire, and other misfortunes are not usually covered by the owner's insurance policy. A common misconception is that the landlord is required to take care of any losses suffered by the renter. In actuality, the landlord usually has a policy to insure the building against damage, but not your personal belongings. Suppose a storm punches a hole in your ceiling causing minor water damage. Your landlord's insurance covers the ceiling and water damage to the carpet, however the damage to your computer is your loss.

Common damages covered:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Theft
• Smoke
• Vandalism
• Windstorm or hail

:: Lease 

You are responsible for reading the lease before signing it and for following the rules and regulations in the lease, unless they are illegal or unreasonable. For more detailed information, see the Off-Campus Guide's section on Leases.

:: Notice of Repairs 

You are responsible for giving the landlord notice of any repairs that are needed to the property. This is particularly true where the defect (such as a water leak) will cause additional damage unless it is promptly repaired.

Note: Landlords will sometimes falsely claim that you did not give the landlord prompt notice of the need to repair and claim that this resulted in additional damage. If the landlord then sues you and wins, you will be responsible for the cost of the additional repairs and may be evicted. You also stand to lose part of your security deposit. All notices should therefore be in writing. Remember to keep a copy as proof. Send letters by certified mail, return deposit requested.

:: Orderly Conduct 

You must not interfere with the rights of other tenants. This means that you must control your family members, guests, and pets. Under the Just Cause for Eviction Act, a landlord can ask the court to evict you for being disorderly, making too much noise, and disturbing other tenants (but only after you have ignored a written notice from the landlord telling you to stop).

:: Paying the Rent 

You are responsible for paying the rent on time and may be evicted if you regularly pay rent late. But you have a right to withhold your rent when the landlord may try to evict you for destroying the property.