Understand Your Rights as a Renter
More Americans than ever are becoming tenants. Rental properties have been in demand since the housing market collapse of 2008. For many renters, being a tenant is a new experience or one that they have not enjoyed since their youth. Laws protecting tenants can vary between states but the important thing to remember is that as a tenant you have rights.
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Tips for Tenants
Because laws vary between states, it is important to become familiar with the legal protections offered to tenants in the state where you will enter into a short or long-term lease. The tips in this section are fairly universal tips for US tenants and can help to protect yourself as a tenant and eliminate the possibility of misunderstandings with your landlord.
Read the Lease Before Signing – There are many reasons to read and understand the terms in your lease. The primary being that the landlord can only enforce the stated terms and that all your responsibilities are listed in this contract. If you have questions regarding your rights or the landlord’s rights under the lease, this is the time to clarify and modify the document.
File Requests in Writing – Many tenants have lost justifiable court actions because they did not have documented support for their claims. If you request repairs orally, follow up with a written request. Every time you make a monthly payment, insist upon a written receipt which your landlord should be obligated to provide.
File Your Documentation – Dedicate a file to your rental experience. Everything you receive in writing and express in writing should be copied and kept in this file. You may need this documentation later and you may also choose not to keep the file in your apartment.
Understand and Protect Your Right to Privacy – In all states, tenants have a legal right to privacy. However, tenants must be aware of the landlord’s right to inspect the property and how much notice is required before the landlord may enter. These terms will be stated in the lease and constitute of the most common reasons for misunderstandings and disagreements between tenants and landlords.
Request Repairs – Your landlord has an obligation to provide habitable living quarters. If repairs are needed, request them orally and in writing. If follow-up notices are needed, document each request.
Purchase Renter’s Insurance – Your personal property is not insured by the landlord’s insurance policy. A good renter’s insurance policy will cover losses through a household accident or theft.
Keep Communication Lines Open – It is always better to attempt to resolve differences between the parties rather than lose time and money going to court. That should be your last resort but if necessary you must protect your rights.
Protect Your Security Deposit – Be sure to take pictures of your apartment when there lase was initiated and as the lease has progressed. Your rights to recover your security deposit are outline sin the lease. Understand and comply with these terms.
Pay Rent – Even of the landlord fails to perform rightful repairs, you will, usually be held responsible for rent. Pay your rent and if the repairs are not performed, commence a legal action. The court will be on your side in this situation.
The enjoyment of your rental residence often depends upon your ability to be a responsible tenant and hold your landlord to the same standard.
