Building Maintenance Contracts

If you are a landlord with multiple properties, it's no mystery that there is a lot of work involved and too much for one person to take on alone. Because so much maintenance needs to take place regularly, it is necessary to hire a contractor or a maintenance person. In this instance, you will need to draw up building maintenance contracts.

Function

The importance of a building maintenance contract is two-fold, with the landlord and the contractor being protected. Specifics are outlined, as well as agreement for payment and the contractor's obligation. Because this is a legal document, it must be followed or will result in penalties.

Features

There are certain pieces of information that must be included on a building maintenance contract. These features fully explain every aspect of the document as well as both party's contact information. The remaining information outlined on the contract includes the contractor's obligations, agreement for payment, contract term, who is responsible for damaged property, renewal clauses and termination clauses.

Warning

Both the contractor and the landlord must sign and date the contract in order for it to be a legal and binding agreement. Be aware that some municipalities do not recognize such contracts unless there is a seal and signature from a notary. In this case, all parties must be in front of the notary at the time of signing the contracts.

Prevention/Solution

There are further measures that can be taken in order to provide further protection to the landlord and the contractor in order to prevent any misunderstandings. For example, include such clauses as if the contractor is allowed to have employees, where the contractor can store supplies necessary to perform maintenance duties, how much notice either party must provide the other when changes to the contract are required and whether the contract can by assigned to another contractor at any time.

Considerations

If at any time you feel too uncomfortable dealing with legal documents of any kind, consider hiring a contract lawyer to draw up all the paperwork and handle how the information is explained. This lawyer can also provide a notary and ensure all the provisions of the document are understood completely by all parties involved.

Resources

• Manage Property Contracts