If you’re renting a home, there are certain things that you need to keep your landlord informed about. This guide is designed to help you with things you need to tell your landlord or managing agent because you may need their approval to avoid breaching your contract.
Let Your Landlord Know You Have A Pet
If you’re bringing pets along with you, be sure to give adequate information about your pet in your rental application form. While some owners may have a strict no pets policy, others may be more than willing to consider subject to a few minor conditions. Failing to inform your landlord about your pet can result in a breach of contract, so be sure to specify that you have a pet when you apply for a rental property.
Ask About Sub-Letting The Property
If you decide to sub-let your rental apartment to people not mentioned on the lease, then it is your responsibility as a tenant to inform and seek approval from your landlord. Depending on your particular situation, your landlord may offer or decline approval for sub-letting the property. It’s always best to seek approval as failure to inform the landlord will result in you breaching your contract. Similarly, you will need to advise if you plan on advertising the home on any short-term or long-term rental platforms.
Check In Advance About Modifications To The Home
Your lease contract will stipulate the changes you can and cannot make to the house, so it’s best to stick to it as much as possible to ensure that you get your bond back. If you feel like you have to make certain structural or cosmetic modifications to the home, then you will need to seek prior approval from your landlord. You’ll also want to seek approval about banging nails into walls, especially when you want to mount flat-screen televisions or paintings on walls. If you end up doing some repairs or making some structural changes to the home without approval, then you may risk having funds deducted from your bond.
Advise How Many People Will Be Living In The Home
It’s always best to let your landlord know in advance how many people will be living in the home so that he/she can put this information into the lease. Typically, landlords need to know how many people will be living in a home to ensure that it meets public health housing regulations. If you end up exceeding the number of people allowed to live legally in the home, then the landlord may be liable for breaking the law, which will then be passed on to you. To prevent this from happening, it’s always best to let the landlord know in advance how many people will be living in your home. If you plan to have guests every once in a while, let your landlord know in advance about this temporary arrangement and seek their approval to avoid any fines.
As a responsible tenant, be sure to keep your landlord informed about any changes to your situation and seek prior approval to avoid hefty fines.