Landlord Tenant Laws
In order to ensure that both landlords and tenants understand their rights when it comes to renting, many states have enacted landlord-tenant laws. These laws give tenants rights, such as the right to due process before eviction, as well as create a framework for disputes.
First, landlords in most states must provide certain infrastructural basics when renting out a property, such as running water, working electricity, and access to a restroom. Also, landlords cannot deny rental to a tenant based on the tenant’s race, gender, religion, or other factors that may be perceived as discriminatory.
Landlords also cannot collect any kind of bribing or kickback in exchange for rented property. Furthermore, when landlords do collect rent, they are required to return the tenant’s security deposit. This deposit can then be used to repair damages caused by the tenant.
When landlords and tenants disagree, they also must abide by certain rules of dispute and communication. For example, landlords cannot shut off utilities to a tenant’s home in order to force them to move, nor can they prohibit the tenant from using certain amenities in the building.
Finally, if a tenant violates the terms of their lease, landlords must follow legal procedures before evicting a tenant, such as providing written notice of the breach and then giving the tenant an opportunity to fix the problem.
Landlord-tenant laws are essential for ensuring that landlords and tenants treat each other fairly. From getting repairs done to getting deposits back, it’s important for all parties involved to know what their rights are.