Renting a home can be a great way to achieve a flexible living situation or save money while you’re planning for the future. However, it’s crucial that you understand your rights as a tenant in order to protect yourself from unscrupulous landlords who may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the key things that landlords don’t want you to know, and we’ll provide you with the information you need to ensure that you’re treated fairly during the application process and beyond.
1. Many landlords aren’t as “Background Check Friendly” as you might think.
Having a criminal record or a shaky credit history doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to rent a home. However, many landlords will try to use these factors to disqualify tenants from consideration – even if they have no bearing on the tenant’s ability to pay rent. As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights in this area. When you apply for a rental home, landlords are required by law to provide you with a copy of your background check (if one was performed) and let you know if you were turned down due to information contained in that report.
2. You should always review your lease agreement carefully before signing.
Your lease agreement is a legally binding contract that specifies the terms of your tenancy. Make sure you read this document carefully before you sign it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request changes if you’re unsure about anything. Your lease should include details about how much notice you need to give before moving out, how much your rent will be, and what your landlord’s responsibilities are (e.g. repairs, maintenance, pest control, etc.). Once you sign the lease, it’s much harder to negotiate changes.
3. Your landlord can’t evict you without following the law.
If your landlord wants you to move out for any reason – even if you haven’t done anything wrong – they must follow the proper eviction procedure. Your landlord can’t simply change the locks, throw your belongings on the street, or intimidate you into leaving. They must follow the laws in your state regarding evictions, which typically include giving you written notice of the eviction and providing you with the opportunity to dispute the eviction in court. If you’re facing eviction, seek legal counsel immediately.
4. You have a right to a safe and habitable living environment.
Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your rental home is safe and habitable. This means that they must maintain the property in good condition, address pest problems, keep utilities in good working order, and ensure that the property is free from hazards (e.g. lead-based paint, mold, etc.). If your landlord fails to maintain the property properly, you may have the right to withhold rent until they make repairs. However, you should never withhold rent without first consulting with an attorney who is familiar with tenant law in your state.
5. You have a right to privacy.
Your landlord can’t simply enter your rental home without your permission. They must give you reasonable advance notice (usually 24-48 hours) before entering, and they must have a legitimate reason for doing so (e.g. repairs, showings, etc.). If your landlord violates your privacy rights, you may be able to pursue legal action against them.
As a tenant, it’s important that you understand your rights under the law. Although landlords may not always be forthcoming with this information, it’s up to you to educate yourself about your rights and ensure that you’re treated fairly throughout the rental process. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can protect yourself from unscrupulous landlords and ensure that you’re able to enjoy a safe, comfortable living environment.
