Landlords, tenants share obligations

Renting a home or apartment is a two-way street as property owners and tenants both have responsibilities that go beyond a simple cash transaction.

Among landlords ' responsibilities are:

• They may not advertise or rent condemned property.
• They must disclose housing code violations they have been notified of but have not corrected.
• They must reveal structural defects, a lack or hot or cold running water, serious plumbing or electrical problems and other hazards.
• They must disclose if the heating unit cannot maintain a temperature of at least 67 degrees. If you are required to pay utilities, you must know how utility charges will be divided if the dwelling is one of several not individually metered.

As a tenant, you have the right to inspect the unit before you rent it.

The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection recommends the following:

• Take along a flashlight, light bulb, hair dryer, pen and a checklist.
• Turn on each light switch to see if it works.
• Check outlets (use hair dryer) and sockets (use light bulb). Defects could cause fires.
• Turn on faucets. Check for leaks, proper sink drainage and water temperature.
• Flush toilets. Check for leaks.
• Look for smoke detectors.
• Check ceilings and walls for cracks and water stains.
• Are there deadbolt locks on apartment and exterior doors?
• Push on the windows -- are they secure? Are latches in good working order? Check storm windows and screens.

More resources

• City of Madison Inspection Unit, 266-4551.
• Community Action Coalition, 246-4730, ext. 200, www.cacscw.org
• Small Claims Court, 266-4311.
• Tenant Resource Center, housing, counseling, 257-0006; mediation, 257-2799; trc.studentorg.wisc.edu.

Neighborhood associations

Madison has more than 120 neighborhood associations. For information about existing ones or how to form a new one, go to www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods or call neighborhood planner Jule Stroick at 267-8744 ext. 218.