What liabilities does a tenant have towards a landlord under tort and contract law?

A tenant has specific liabilities toward a landlord that arise both from tort law and the terms of their rental agreement, which is governed by contract law. These liabilities include responsibility for damages to the property that they occupy, as well as any obligations explicitly outlined in their lease or rental agreement.

Under tort law, tenants can be held liable for any negligent actions that result in damage to the landlord's property. For example, if a tenant accidentally causes a fire that damages the rental property, they may be responsible for the costs associated with that damage, depending on the circumstances and any applicable insurance coverage.

In addition, the rental agreement may specify particular liabilities, such as maintaining the property, timely payment of rent, or prohibitions on certain activities that could lead to damage. By signing the lease, the tenant agrees to abide by these contractual obligations, which further emphasizes their liability under contract law.

Other answer choices do not encompass the full scope of a tenant's responsibilities. For instance, liability in tort does not exclude obligations under contract law, and liability does not solely hinge on written complaints. Additionally, unintentional damage does not absolve a tenant of liability if they were negligent or if such damages are addressed in the lease agreement.