Your rights as a renter will depend on where you live. As you move between states or towns within a state, your rights can change. It is important to be aware that many levels of government impact your rights including federal, state, and local laws or ordinances. In addition, housing codes or court decisions can also impact renter rights.
As a renter, you have a right to enjoy the peaceful possession of the property you have rented. Once you have signed a lease agreement, the landlord must notify you of, and you must agree to, any new terms or changes. In general, state laws provide renters a legal right to:
* a property that is capable of being lived in.
* have the rental property and appliances maintained and in compliance with applicable housing and building codes.
* safe, secure common areas in apartment and housing complexes, and they must comply with applicable codes.
* live on the property as long as you pay your rent. A landlord cannot evict you without a court order and must not have utilities disconnected unless there is an emergency (e.g., repairing a leak).
* pay only the rent specified in your lease agreement. If you are renting month to month or scheduled to renew your lease, the landlord must provide you advance notice of any rent increase.
The landlord is legally obligated to comply with the terms of the lease, just as the renter is obligated to abide by the terms. You may have the right to move out or terminate the lease if the landlord fails to make major repairs that put the health and safety of you or your family at risk.
The landlord is not responsible for the damage or loss of personal property. If you have renter's insurance, read the policy, take pictures of the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, and closely follow the insurance company's procedures for filing a claim.
For more information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, see the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Web site for state-specific information www.hud.gov/renting/tenantrights.cfm .