State Specific Question About: MARYLAND (MD)

We're renting a building that needs repairs. Our tenant initiated some of the repairs, and has provided estimates on others and has requested that we pay half. Are we obligated to pay half? It specifies in our lease that any repairs to the building needed to be approved by the landlord

You are walking a fine line. No your tenant is absolutely wrong for going ahead with repairs without your express permission, provided this is stated in the lease agreement.

Then again, if your tenant has fixed things that you knew had to be taken care of anyways and they got the job done for a reasonable price, then you haven't really lost anything.

The best way from this point is to have a talk with your tenants and let them know that from here on out any repair has to be okay'ed by you in writing, otherwise they won't get reimbursed.

Hi Jeff... thanks for the post

'a building' can we assume it is not a residential property?

If it's not residential .. then usually the rental agreement controls who does what..

You say what your lease says...

So.... unless your lease says more or says you have to pay 1/2 or the repairs are for reasons that make the property work.. like plumbing, elect, structure..etc.

stick with your rental agreement.. they call you first and go from there..

I would say that it depends on your contract/lease.

whoops! Re-reading your post says that you have that covered. Then they need to rip all repairs out and return the space to as it was when they took the place....or get an inspection by YOUR guy at Their expense to be approved.

Is this commercial or residential?

You are probably not "obligated" unless the repairs relate to your state's habitability laws assuming your state has such laws (some do some don't) and assuming that the property is residential.

Now my question is, why rent something that you acknowledge "needs repairs"? Same question for your tenant, why rent from you if the tenant knew it needed work? Beginning on that note, is a sure way to end up in a disagreement like you are.

All,

Jeff,

Differentiate needs vs wants.

Bring it to safety standards so you are blameless. Example: if the steps aren't right, YOU will be sued.

I consider any improvement to MY benefit. As tenants come and go, it's MY building and I want it in good shape.

Churches: Yikes! Be SUPER careful here. Churches start up and move to larger places on a wing and a prayer. When the shine wears off, people and their giving moves to the next shiny thing. Church attendance (and it's giving) will swell up to 20% with a new building. Then over the next few months it will drop back, sometimes even lower.

Giving is easily 3-6 months behind the new members being added.

I LOVE churches and church people! But I've been on church boards and I've done business with churches.

Please be VERY careful with a church lease. This is probably one of the most dangerous categories.

If this is truly your first lease YOU NEED HELP with this! One mis-step can cost you big time.

Post every move here.

Get with a local COMMERCIAL landlord for guidance.