What is the primary duty of a 'landlord' in property management?

The primary duty of a landlord in property management is to provide habitable premises to tenants. This obligation means that the landlord must ensure that the rental property meets basic health and safety standards, allowing tenants to live in a safe and secure environment. This includes addressing essential needs such as adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, and making necessary repairs to address any issues that may compromise the livability of the space.

While handling tenant complaints, managing property repairs, and calculating property taxes are all important aspects of property management, none is as fundamental as the landlord’s responsibility to ensure the property remains safe and suitable for living. If the property is not habitable, it can lead to violations of local housing codes and legal repercussions for the landlord. Therefore, the provision of habitable premises is central to the landlord's role and duties in the property management context.