Property Maintenance
A standard Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) lease stipulates general property maintenance required of a tenant, as well as a list of what is generally prohibited. As of November 28, 2014, these include the following:
17.A. Tenant’s General Responsibilities: Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, must:
- keep the Property clean and sanitary;
- promptly dispose of all garbage in appropriate receptacles;
- supply and change heating and air conditioning filters at least once a month;
- supply and replace all light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and batteries for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, garage door openers, ceiling fan remotes, and other devices (of the same type and quality that are in the Property on the Commencement Date);
- maintain appropriate levels of necessary chemicals or matter in any water softener; In Process
- take action to promptly eliminate any dangerous condition on the Property;
- take all necessary precautions to prevent broken water pipes due to freezing or other causes;
- replace any lost or misplaced keys;
- pay any periodic, preventive, or additional extermination costs desired by Tenant, including treatment for bed bugs, unless otherwise required by law;
- remove any standing water;
- know the location and operation of the main water cut-off valve and all electric breakers and how to switch the valve or breakers off at appropriate times to mitigate any potential damage;
- water the foundation of the Property at reasonable and appropriate times; and
- promptly notify Landlord, in writing, of all needed repairs.
17.D. Prohibitions: If Tenant installs any fixtures on the Property, authorized or unauthorized, such as additional smoke alarms, locks, alarm systems, cables, satellite dishes, or other fixtures, such fixtures will become the property of the Landlord. Except as otherwise permitted by law, this lease, or in writing by Landlord, Tenant may not:
- remove any part of the Property or any of Landlord’s personal property from the Property;
- remove, change, add, or rekey any lock;
- make holes in the woodwork, floors, or walls, except that a reasonable number of small nails may be used to hang pictures in sheetrock and grooves in paneling;
- permit any water furniture on the Property;
- install additional phone or video cables, outlets, antennas, satellite receivers, or alarm systems;
- alter, replace or remove flooring material, paint, or wallpaper;
- install, change, or remove any: fixture, appliance, or non-real-property item listed in Paragraph 2; In Process
- keep or permit any hazardous material on the Property such as flammable or explosive materials;
- keep or permit any material or item which causes any liability or fire and extended insurance coverage to be suspended or canceled or any premiums to be increased;
- dispose of any environmentally detrimental substance (for example, motor oil or radiator fluid) on the Property; or
- cause or allow any lien to be filed against any portion of the Property.
