Your rights as a tenant can help solve conflicts with your landlords. Any misunderstandings can be clarified immediately if you know what your hold to the contract is. There are many resources that could direct you to learn more about tenant's rights. However, you may have to look into your state's laws for more specific detailing. Rulings may vary from state to state.
In general, no matter what state you are renting, you can fully exercise these rights:
1. You are not to be discriminated during the application of rent. The Fair Housing Act, which is a part of the Civil Rights, considers discrimination a prohibition. You are not to be denied of renting just because of your color, race, creed, nationality, marital status or handicapped. If any landlord violated this code, you can file a complaint against them or claim damages.
2.You have the right to know what is on the lease before you sign to any agreement. The lease is made by the landlord. There are no counteroffers in here just like in purchasing a home. Therefore, it is your right to understand everything stated in there so as not to be compromised in the future. If there are misprints or errors in statement, you have the right to demand for clarifications and corrections, if it was not the intended meaning and purpose of the statement is different.
3. You have the right to hold your tenancy for a specific period, as agreed upon on your lease agreement. Within that period, you can fully enjoy living within the property undisturbed. Your landlord cannot even enter the premises without your permission. You can stay in the property for as long as you follow the lease agreement.
4. You have the right to rent habitable home. This means, the place you are staying should be in a good condition and risk-free environment once it is offered for rent. Any damages existing prior to moving should be taken cared of by the landlord. However, any damages caused by your negligence and misuse shall be your burden.
5. You have the right to get your security deposit at the end of your tenancy. Security deposit is the money you have to give to the landlord to cover for possible damages and problems caused by you. From the word itself, it secures the landlord from any risks involved in allowing you to rent. However, it is not part of the overall. In the event you left the property in good condition, with no concealed problems after inspection, you have the right to get it back and receive it in a reasonable amount of time.
6. You have the right to be notified of any increase in rent. This should be done weeks or months before the increase would take effect. The increase in rent should have a reasonable basis and just as long as the amount is not overwhelming, it can be undisputable. Any rent increase shall be subjected to the rules of the state or your municipality.
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