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Know Your Renter Rights

As a renter, you’re protected by a number of federal, state, and local laws — and your landlord is too. It’s important for both of you to understand your rights and responsibilities under these laws to help prevent, identify, and resolve potential issues.

Your rights as a renter

renter rights

Specific protections vary based on where you live, but, in general, tenants have a right to:

  • A healthy and safe home.
  • Reasonable quiet and privacy.
  • Proper maintenance.
  • Freedom from discrimination.
  • A legal process if facing eviction.

Note: The Fair Housing Act gives individuals with disabilities the right to reasonable accommodations and modifications so that they can have full enjoyment of their homes.

State-by-state details

Landlord-tenant laws, including renter rights, differ in each state and locality, so it’s important to know the rights and protections that apply where you live. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Look up your tenant rights

Your responsibilities as a renter

Your lease should outline the requirements and responsibilities for both you and your landlord. Make sure you fully read and understand the different parts of your lease.

renter responsibilities

Based on your lease, your responsibilities will likely include, but are not limited to:

  • Making timely rent payments by the agreed due date.
  • Maintaining the rental property in the same condition that it appeared at move-in and preventing damage.
  • Keeping from making changes to the property without your landlord’s written consent.
  • Submitting maintenance requests when needed.
  • Avoiding activities that negatively impact your neighbors’ enjoyment of the property.

Did you know?

As a tenant, you may have additional rights under federal, state, and local laws that may not be included in your lease.

Look up legal resources by state

Landlord responsibilities

landlord responsibilities

Your landlord’s responsibilities are aligned with your rights as a renter. They include, but are not limited to:

  • Standard maintenance support, such as plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning (if provided).
  • Timely responses and resolution to repair or maintenance requests.
  • Notice of rent increases — your rent cannot be increased during the term of the lease.
  • Clear, advance written communication about all costs, such as fees and utilities.
  • Notice before the landlord enters the unit, except in emergency situations.

Landlord rights

Your landlord, as the owner of the property, also has rights that you should be aware of and respect.

landlord rights

Landlords have the following rights, although it is important to note that based on where you live, they may have more than the ones listed here:

  • On-time rent payments.
  • Renter compliance with the community rules.
  • Maintenance of the rental unit and its return in the same condition that it was in when the renter moved in.
  • Access to the unit for emergencies, maintenance, and repairs.
  • Collection of a security deposit to cover the cost of property damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
  • Assurance that all renters can enjoy living at the property.
  • The ability to evict renters who do not meet their material lease obligations.

Learn about your rights if facing eviction. For example, landlords at properties backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (as well as certain other federally supported properties) cannot evict a tenant for not paying rent without first providing a 30-day notice to vacate under the CARES Act.

All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general educational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice.  We make no representations or warranties about the content and any reliance is at your own risk. Contact an attorney for legal advice regarding this content.

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