When it comes to a contract of lease, there are two parties involved – the lessee and the lessor. While lessee refers to the one who rents the property, the lessor is the owner who provides the property for rent. The lessor has a lot of duties and responsibilities that need to be fulfilled in order to make the leasing process smooth and hassle-free for the lessee. In this article, we will identify and explain the duties of the lessor in a contract of lease.

1. Providing the Property

The most basic duty of a lessor is to provide the property in a clean and habitable condition. This means that the property should be free from any damage and needed repairs should be carried out prior to the beginning of the lease term. Any damages or repairs that may occur during the lease term are the responsibility of the lessee.

2. Pay for Maintenance and Repairs

Once the lease period begins, the lessor is responsible for any maintenance and repairs that may be required in the property. The lessor should ensure that the lessee is not inconvenienced in any way during the lease period. A lessor should inspect the property regularly to ensure that it is well-maintained and to identify any repairs that need to be carried out.

3. Collect Rent

The lessor is responsible for collecting the rent from the lessee, which is a critical aspect of the lease agreement. Rent should be collected on the due date and any late fees should be charged as per the agreement. The lessor needs to keep a good track record of rent payments for every lease period to avoid any issues in the future.

4. Renewal of Lease

Towards the end of the lease period, the lessor should communicate with the lessee whether they want to renew the lease or not. If the lessee wishes to renew it, the lessor should provide the necessary paperwork to extend the lease. If the lessor does not intend to renew the lease, they should inform the lessee well in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.

5. Providing Utilities

The lessor is responsible for providing the utilities that are included in the lease agreement. This includes electricity, water, and gas (if applicable). The lessor should make sure that these utilities are functioning correctly before the lessee moves in. Any issues that arise during the lease period should be addressed promptly by the lessor.

In conclusion, the lessor has a lot of duties and responsibilities to fulfill when it comes to a contract of lease. They need to provide the property in a habitable condition, pay for maintenance and repairs, collect rent, renew the lease, and provide utilities. Fulfilling these duties and responsibilities will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free lease term for both the lessor and lessee.