By RentWise Property Management - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Every state has laws when it comes to Landlord and Tenant guidelines.
States require particular things from the lease to the cost of rent and how the owner can raise it, to the repairs. As a landlord, some things are strictly their responsibility to do for repairs, and then there are things as a tenant that fall to them to fix. In this blog, we will go over things that are specific to the state of Idaho. However, nothing on this page should be taken as legal advice. You should always consult with your lease, lawyer, or property manager for questions and concerns regarding your property or your current lease situation. Also, please note that in Idaho, landlord and tenant rights are slightly different for mobile home parks and condominiums.
In the state of Idaho, Landlord repairs are pretty specific for minimums.
Idaho law mandates that landlords must ensure residential properties they rent meet certain conditions. The owner (landlord) must maintain the good working order of all electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, or bathrooms supplied to the tenant. So repairs to air conditioning units, replacing parts to your heater such as a heating element are done at the owner's expense. Other items would also be repairs to the hot water tank, repairing any plumbing under sinks or behind walls. You will find that some rules file under these repairs. Make sure you check your lease and understand what you could do to shift the landlord's responsibility to yourself, the tenant. Examples of this could be damage to any parts of a water heater due to the tank being emptied and left emptied. Damage to the air conditioning unit due to irregular filter changing. Damage to toilets/sinks due to obstruction with anything that the plumbing system is not designed for. Smoke detectors that are up to code are also the responsibility of the owner as well. However, changing the batteries to the units falls under the tenant unless the property is vacant. Remember, check your lease for property specifics.Other top Idaho landlord repairs for rental homes you will find would be the repair of roofs. Any leaks, holes, or roof damage must and should be reported immediately to your landlord in writing. If you are renting from a property management company, should be reported immediately to them. Electrical outlets you find that does not work and require a professional to check also must be notified. By Idaho law, landlords are responsible for maintaining their tenant's safety and health. Items like exposed wires, insect infestation such as termites.
Know the following....
It is essential to know that you must request these repairs in writing as a tenant. Once the landlord receives written notice of the required repairs needed, they have three (3) days to address the issue(s). Here is where renting through a property manager comes in handy. After all, they are working to keep both the tenant and landlord's best interests in hand. Learn how RentWise Property Management manages maintenance requests here. Also, please note under no circumstances under Idaho law can you withhold your rent until repairs are done. Failing to make rent in full and on time, you run the risk of being evicted no matter the reasons. If you are an owner and would like to learn more about frequently asked questions, get those HERE. If you are a renter or looking to rent a home in the Treasure Valley and want more information contact us today! back
