What Wilmington, NC Renters Should Expect From Their Landlords: Top 5 Responsibilities of a Landlord

Leases have been signed, boxes have been unpacked, and your pet cat has already taken ownership of the bedroom window - you're all moved into your Wilmington, NC apartment. Now what can you expect from your landlord over the next year? We put together a list of the top things that your landlord is responsible for.

Building Codes

It is the responsibility of the landlord to comply with all applicable and current building codes at the national and state level. So, be sure to take a look around and double-check that there are smoke detectors. Your landlord should have installed a properly working one, but remember, you are responsible for maintaining working batteries throughout the duration of the lease. If your smoke detector does break, it is important that you let your landlord know right away so that he or she can replace it. 

Should I Call My Landlord?

What warrants a service call to my landlord? North Carolina law requires landlords to provide tenants with fit and safe housing by making repairs and maintaining rental property in compliance with codes. Your landlord is also required to maintain and repair appliances that the landlord has provided. This includes plumbing, heating and air conditioning units, refrigerators, and stoves, etc. Leaky faucets and clogged toilets are going to happen from time-to-time. It is your landlord's responsibility to fix these and foot the bill. However, keep-in-mind that he or she may charge you for any repairs that go above and beyond normal wear and tear.

For example, if your son drops his favorite action hero down the toilet and the plumber finds it to be backing it up, don't be surprised when you receive that plumbing bill.

Excessive food or other household materials are often found as common reasons for backed up pipes. As these items are meant to be disposed of in the garbage, you might see that bill, too. Click here for what not to put down your toilet.

Your best buddy tripped and fell into the living room wall creating a huge dent in the sheetrock? Nine times out of ten, you're going to have to pay for that. 

Fare warning. 

Common Areas

If you live in a duplex or apartment complex with a shared space, your landlord is responsible for keeping those in clean and safe conditions. This also means that you don't need to buy a lawn mower and keep your grass cut.

Living in a single-family home? Start cutting. Specifically when renting in Wilmington, NC, the city has certain laws and ordinances requiring grass to be cut to a certain length within different zones downtown. They mean business with their fees if not taken care of, too. So, be sure to stay on top of that lawn to avoid these. 

What About My Security Deposit?

Upon receiving your security deposit, your landlord deposited this into a special bank account designated only for this specific purpose. The whole purpose of a security deposit is to protect the landlord in the event of damages to the property above normal wear and tear. When you move out, your landlord has thirty days to inspect for and repair any damages you may have caused. After the thirty days, he or she will then send it back to you less any charges for damages. Remember, your landlord must send you a breakdown of exact charges if deducted from your security deposit. Also, it's important to keep in mind that if you damage the property more than what your security deposit covers, your landlord can take you to Small Claims Court for compensation. In other words, don't destroy the house. 

Property Bills

It is the responsibility of the landlord to pay any bills related to the property itself. Examples of these would include property taxes or insurance.

Even though you may wish it were so, your landlord is not responsible for paying for your past due water bill or high electricity bill - that is unless you have a lease with him or her saying that the landlord is responsible for utilities. Apartments with utilities included in Wilmington, NC are a rare breed. 

Interested in renting in Wilmington, NC? Join our waiting list here!