The list of defects and damages in the rental unit that should be given to the landlord within the 5-day period is to protect tenants from being charged for damages done by previous tenants. Every new tenant should make a thorough record of defects in the rental unit when moving in. Note any cracks, holes, worn places, stains, dirt, and so forth. This inventory should be signed and dated by both you and your landlord. Make a copy of this inventory before you return it to your landlord within the 5-day time period to keep with the copy of your lease.
Tenants have the responsibility to abide by the agreements specified in the lease.
Tenants are also responsible for maintaining the landlord's property in an acceptable manner. In most cases, tenants have the responsibility to give the landlord at least 30 days notice of plans to leave the rental unit, unless the lease states some other time period. Tenants are also responsible for insuring their own personal property. The landlord will usually have insurance coverage for the building, but this insurance does not cover the tenant's personal belongings. It is a good idea for tenants to invest in renters' insurance to make sure their possessions are protected against theft, fire damage and a number of other perils.