Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Property Maintenance Conditions at Leased Properties

The owner of a structure shall provide and maintain mechanical, electrical, and plumbing facilities and equipment in compliance with the requirements of the code. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises not in compliance with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements outlined in chapter 1326 of the code. Structures not meeting these requirements may be condemned and posted as unfit for human habitation.

The following items shall be reviewed on a regular basis and addressed as needed:

Walls and Ceilings

Walls and ceilings shall have clean surfaces.
There shall be no chipping, peeling, or flaking paint.
There shall be no deteriorating or falling plaster.
There shall be no cracks or holes.

Public Hallways and Stairways

Public hallways and stairways shall be well lit with no broken fixtures
Approved smoke detectors shall be installed.
Public hallways and stairways shall be clear of trash, debris, and obstructions.
All egress doors in public hallways and stairways must be openable from inside.
Stair treads, risers, handrails, and railings shall be sound and in good repair.

Rubbish, Garbage, and Infestation

There shall be no accumulation of trash, rubbish, or debris.
Trash receptacles shall be tightly covered.
There shall be no holes in floors or floorboards.

Plumbing

Plumbing lines and fixtures shall be properly installed.
Kitchens and baths shall have hot and cold running water.
Every dwelling unit shall have all required bathroom fixtures (toilet, sink, tub or shower).
Kitchen sinks shall be properly installed and functioning.
Drain lines and vents shall be unobstructed.
Water lines shall be free of leaks and defects.

Mechanical

All mechanical equipment shall be properly installed and in good working condition.
Heating facilities shall be capable of maintaining 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter months.
Cooking and heating devices shall be free from leaks.
Only approved chimneys or vents for fuel-burning equipment shall be used.
Water heating facilities shall be properly installed and maintained.
Water heaters shall heat to a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit at sinks, tubs, and showers.

Electrical Components

Each unit shall have adequate main electric service.
Fusing shall be properly installed and accessible.
Wiring shall be properly installed.
There shall be no bare wiring or broken fixtures.
There shall be sufficient electrical outlets.
Kitchens and baths shall have grounded outlets.
Toilets, halls, kitchens, and baths shall have at least one working light fixture.
There shall be approved smoke detectors as required throughout each unit.

Note: This guide is not an exhaustive list of all applicable standards in Kettering Codified Ordinances and other applicable laws that may impact property maintenance in the City of Kettering. This document is meant to serve as a general guide for residents.

If there are any questions regarding this information, please contact Kettering’s Planning & Development Department by phone at 937-296-2441 or by email at kettpnd@ketteringoh.org.