Tenant’s Responsibilities and Duties in a Rental Apartment

Living in a rental apartment brings not only rights but also responsibilities. The tenant is responsible for the daily upkeep of the apartment, maintaining good cleanliness, and ensuring that no damage occurs due to careless use. Many practical tasks, such as cleaning the floor drain or cleaning the filter in the cooker hood, belong to the tenant’s duties. It is also important to report any defects or malfunctions quickly to prevent further damage. This article summarizes the tenant’s most important responsibilities and duties in a clear format.

TOILET AND BATHROOM EQUIPMENT

Toilet and flushing devices:

• The tenant is responsible for regular cleaning of the toilet.
• The tenant must monitor that the toilet does not leak.
• Any leak must be reported to maintenance immediately.
• The toilet must be used properly – no inappropriate waste may be flushed.
• If the tenant causes a blockage (e.g. flushing a diaper), they are liable for the damage.
• If the toilet is damaged through negligence (e.g. crack, broken flush button), the tenant bears the costs.

WATER AND SEWER EQUIPMENT

Water meter:

• The tenant must report abnormal water consumption.

Pipes, traps, and floor drains:

• Any blockages must be reported immediately to maintenance.
• Cleaning traps with drain cleaner is the tenant’s responsibility.
• The floor drain should be checked and cleaned monthly by hand, if possible.
• If the blockage continues, maintenance must be notified without delay.
• If negligence causes the blockage, the tenant is liable for damages.

LOCKING AND KEYS

• The tenant is responsible for careful storage of keys.
• Keys must not carry information that links them to the apartment.
• Lost keys or failure to return them may result in the tenant paying for lock re-serializing or a contractual penalty.
• All received and copied keys must be returned when the tenancy ends.

HEATING AND VENTILATION

Heating systems:

• The tenant must monitor water-circulating radiators (e.g. coldness, gurgling sounds) and report defects.
• Thermostats must not be covered by furniture or curtains.

Electric heaters and underfloor heating:

• Air must circulate freely around heaters.
• Radiators must not be covered, nor may flammable materials be placed near them.
• If underfloor heating is the only heat source, it must be kept on year-round.

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Air intake valves:

• The tenant must clean valves when dust or dirt accumulates.
• Cleaning needs should be checked 2–4 times a year.
• Under normal conditions, air intake valves must remain fully open.
• Valves must not be closed completely.
• Any malfunctions must be reported to maintenance immediately.

Exhaust air valves:

• The tenant must clean valves when dust or dirt accumulates.
• Cleaning needs should be checked 2–4 times a year.
• The plate settings must not be altered.
• Valves must not be closed completely.
• Ventilation malfunctions must be reported to maintenance.

Cooker hood and extractor fan:

• The tenant is responsible for cleaning the cooker hood’s grease filter (every 1–3 months).
• Cleaning/replacing the extractor fan grease filter, replacing the charcoal filter, and changing bulbs are the tenant’s responsibility.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING

Cables and sockets:

• The tenant may not perform electrical work.
• Defective cables, sockets, and switches must be reported.

Fuses:

• The tenant replaces blown fuses or resets automatic ones.
• If a fuse blows repeatedly, maintenance must be notified.

Lighting:

• The tenant replaces bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
• Fixed light fixtures may not be dismantled without expertise.
• Special light fixtures are maintained by the landlord.

Sauna and stove:

• The tenant is responsible for cleaning the sauna and stove and replacing sauna stones.
• The sauna may not be used as storage or a drying space.
• Sauna stones are usually replaced annually with active use.
• The sauna must be aired properly after use.

SMOKE DETECTORS

• Smoke detectors and their batteries are the responsibility of the housing company.
• Testing the smoke detectors is the tenant’s responsibility.

BALCONY AND YARD

Balcony:

• The tenant is responsible for cleaning, removing snow and ice, and preventing blocked drainage.
• Waste may not be stored on the balcony.

Yard:

• The tenant maintains their own yard area (lawn mowing, snow removal, plant care).

STORAGE SPACES AND COMMON AREAS

Storage locker:

• Must be kept clean and locked.
• Must be emptied and locked when the tenancy ends.

Common areas:

• Tenants must behave appropriately and clean up after themselves.
• Items may not be stored in hallways.
• Pets must be managed responsibly.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

• The tenant must sort waste according to the housing company’s instructions.
• Hazardous waste and large items must be taken to the proper recycling sites.
• Waste may not be left outside the waste shelter.

PESTS

Silverfish and ants:

• The tenant may remove occasional individuals for comfort.
• Heavy infestations must be reported to maintenance.