What should the renter be responsible for?

[Nikki Grizzle]

I am a newbie to renting and I was wondering how much do you contribute towards the upkeep of the home. Do you maintain the lawn, or do you have the renter maintain it? Do you clean the carpets, or do you require your renter keeps them clean? Also, say they get hair clogged in the sink and its backed up. Do you call and pay for the plumber, or do you hold them responsible? I have gotten mixed reviews from several owners and I am not sure which is the best way to go. On one hand I feel they should be responsible unless its a home repair issue. But on the other end I feel like that is one of the reasons people rent, to not have that responsibility. 

What are your suggestions?

[Jim Shepard]

If it is a SFH, I make the tenant responsible for lawn care. My duplexes I take care of the lawn care, although some LL's are now requiring the tenant to do it. I may change to that policy as well. In my lease the tenant has to have carpet professionally cleaned when they leave and provide a receipt (no Rug Doctors). Also in my lease the tenant is responsible for all drain stoppages. If it is caused by tree roots in main sewer, I take care of it.