Before you stake the “For Rent” sign in the yard and list your rental property on Craigslist, you’ll want to make sure you understand your city’s residential rental codes.

While the required upkeep detailed in these regulations will strike most landlords as common sense, running through the checklist to make sure you’re in compliance with local laws will not only keep you out of legal trouble, but it will also set the foundation for a good relationship with your tenants and save you time and money in the end.

Specific regulatory codes vary from city to city, but they are generally intended to ensure your tenants’ health and safety. They address the general condition of the inside and outside of your property, with an emphasis on safety and sanitation, and typically cover the following areas:

1. Ventilation

2. Lighting

3. Water supply

4. Heating systems

5. Bathroom and kitchen facilities

6. Fire safety

Check with your city’s Office of Housing for a complete set of guidelines.