Tenant Relations & Retention Flashcards

A tenant requests to sublease their unit. The lease requires landlord approval. Under most state laws, can the landlord unreasonably withhold consent?

Answer: No, most states require landlords to have a reasonable basis for denying a sublease request

Many states prohibit landlords from unreasonably withholding consent to sublease; denial must be based on legitimate, objective criteria.

What is the primary purpose of conducting periodic inspections of occupied rental units?

Answer: To identify maintenance issues early, ensure habitability, and document property condition

Periodic inspections allow landlords and inspectors to proactively identify maintenance needs and habitability issues before they become costly problems.

A tenant installs a satellite dish on the exterior of the rental unit without permission. Under FCC rules, the landlord may:

Answer: Restrict placement to minimize damage but cannot prohibit the dish entirely if it serves only the tenant's unit

The FCC's OTARD rule limits a landlord's ability to prohibit small satellite dishes on areas the tenant controls, though reasonable restrictions on placement are allowed.

Which practice best demonstrates a landlord's commitment to tenant retention through property maintenance?

Answer: Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule and tracking all work orders

A proactive preventive maintenance schedule reduces emergency repairs, extends property life, and demonstrates care for tenant comfort, improving retention.

Under the implied warranty of habitability, a landlord must ensure that rental units:

Answer: Meet minimum standards for safe and livable conditions throughout the tenancy

The implied warranty of habitability requires rental units to maintain safe, functional, and livable conditions for the entire duration of the tenancy.

A tenant in a multi-family building complains that the common hallway lighting has been out for two weeks. How should the home inspector document this?

Answer: As a safety hazard affecting common areas, noting the duration and recommending immediate repair

Inadequate common area lighting is a safety hazard and habitability issue; inspectors must document it with duration noted and recommend prompt remediation.

What is the most legally sound method for a landlord to communicate lease violation notices to a tenant?

Answer: Written notice delivered via certified mail or hand delivery with a signed receipt

Written notices delivered via certified mail or with a signed receipt create a verifiable record that is essential for any subsequent legal proceedings.