Maintaining the Property
It is important to recognize that while your housing may be temporary, the housing of your neighbors is their permanent residence. They have invested time and money in their homes and have a desire to maintain the neighborhood. It is therefore important to your neighbors that you maintain your residence in a manner that is in keeping with your neighbors.
Routine Maintenance- Your lease may allocate responsibility for maintenance and repairs, including extermination, between the landlord and the tenant. While repairs necessary to meet housing code standards are the responsibility of the landlord, routine maintenance is generally the responsibility of the tenant. Unless your lease specifies otherwise, it is your responsibility to mow the lawn, pick up litter, and generally maintain the outward appearance of the property. Empty beer kegs left on the front porch do not contribute to a neat and orderly appearance, and will not endear you to your neighbors!
Communicating with Your Landlord- When dealing with your landlord on the subject of repairs or maintenance, it is a good idea to designate one housemate as a spokesperson to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. When a problem arises, notify you landlord immediately- delay could cause a minor problem to develop into a larger one involving greater inconvenience and expense. Always keep a record of communications with your landlord, including copies of letters and a log of phone calls and meetings.
Snow and Ice Removal- Unless specifically stated in you lease that your landlord will handle removal of snow and ice, it is your responsibility. The DC regulation states that snow or sleet must be removed from the sidewalk within eight hours after it has stopped. If you find that your sidewalk has more ice than snow, it must be sanded or salted. Failure to remove the snow or sleet, or to sand an icy walk, can result in a $25 fine. Make sure your house is equipped with a shovel. If you live in a house with separate apartments upstairs and downstairs, coordinate snow removal responsibilities with your neighbors -- don't each assume the other will take care of it.