It helps to know your tenant rights. These laws protect you when you rent a place to live and can save you money.  They can also get you out of a bad living situation, help keep you in a good place, and resolve tenant issues.
This area of law is known as landlord-tenant law, and this article focuses explicitly on tenants' rights for rental properties. These tips may come in handy to help you avoid common legal issues and know your rights.
To help speed along the rental process and impress a potential landlord, it pays to have your paperwork in order. Before you start your application, you usually need:
Most of this can be entered online. Some online applications let you skip sections or save and come back later. Don't forget to add everything as soon as possible if you really want to get into a specific apartment.
If you go in unprepared, someone else could rent the unit while you're busy getting your paperwork in order.
Don't just sign the agreement. Read it carefully, and you'll likely find unacceptable provisions. Discuss the terms of the lease with your landlord and suggest alternatives.Â
If the landlord objects, explain why you think specific provisions are unacceptable and offer to be flexible. If the landlord still doesn't budge, you'll have to decide whether you can live with the rental terms, or if you should walk away.
Some large rental companies or mega complexes are not flexible on their terms, such as:
Consider terms like this carefully to know if the building is right for you.
To protect your rights as a tenant, get everything about the lease in writing. Landlords tend to make all sorts of promises while they're talking you into a lease. They might say things like:
Unless there's a written record, these promises are difficult, if not impossible, to enforce. Taking an apartment based on spoken promises from a landlord can lead to regret. Terms can also change at any time. For example, you might rent a place in the city that has free ramp parking. You estimate that this saves you $100 a month. But one day, the landlord sells the ramp, and you have to pay $120/month to keep using the same ramp.
Even if you trust your current landlord, make sure you have a written record of your arrangement (like buying a specific parking spot). Landlords often change, so don't expect the next landlord to automatically honor any oral arrangement you made with a previous landlord.
Be especially aware of any provisions in the lease that deal with privacy issues. Typical rules may include:
These are pretty standard terms. If these lease agreement terms are not okay with you, you should interview other properties to find different terms.
Don't hesitate to ask your landlord to fix problems that affect the quality of life in your unit. Common issues involve:
If your landlord is not making repairs to keep your rental habitable, there are several possible options, depending on where you live. Typical options include:
Check the local laws in your area. You can also talk to an attorney to learn what you can do to protect your rights and safety.
At first, avoid being confrontational with your landlord and always try to talk it out first. After all, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.Â
Try to solve problems with a simple conversation before issues escalate into disputes. If a simple face-to-face doesn't take care of things, be sure to keep a record of your correspondence with your landlord.Â
For example, If your landlord is being slow with repairs, firmly remind your landlord (in writing) that you have already asked for the repair. Say that you feel that it is taking unnecessarily long. That written record makes a huge difference if communication breaks down and you have to take legal action. Remember: you always have the right to reasonable accommodation, so repairs cannot go ignored for long.
Renters' insurance is relatively cheap. It will protect you when your residential landlord's insurance won't. Renters' insurance can cover you and save you from large financial losses when you face:
Security deposits are one of the most disputed items between landlords and tenants. Make sure that your lease clearly spells out the exact manner in which your deposit will be used or kept.Â
When you first move in, do an extensive walk-through to record existing damage and keep a copy of whatever report you give to the landlord.
Always check out the surrounding area before you decide to rent. Ask other tenants or local businesses if the city has much crime. Make sure that your rental has appropriate safety mechanisms as required by law (in most areas, this includes things like deadbolts and window locks).Â
If the area has considerable crime, your landlord may be required to take additional steps to protect you.
Are you facing eviction? If the landlord is clearly in the wrong (and you can prove it), then you may want to fight against an eviction notice to protect your rights as a tenant. Evictions are normally fought in small claims court with the legal services of your attorney.
Sometimes, however, it's just not worth the time and hassle to fight an unpleasant landlord. You may want to consider simply moving on. You'll have to deal with the same landlord even if you're successful, so a long fight may not be worth the effort. Plus, if you lose a lawsuit, you will have to leave anyway and could wind up with a significant amount of debt as a result.
Knowing your rights as a tenant is a great place to start. But when those rights are trampled on by a landlord, you'll need more help. Talking to a local landlord-tenant attorney can help you understand your options. They will give you sound legal advice and what you need to do next to protect your rights.
