Tenant's Rights Violated

Like all landlords, tenants also have their rights when they rent a property. But different states have their different code standards to follow which tenant should be aware of. You have other rights depending on where you live. Just make sure to read your lease carefully so you will be aware of what you are agreeing to. Here are some tips that will help you protect rights as a tenant.

• Tenants privacy rights. The most common violation most landlord’s mistake is your right to privacy. Not because your landlord owns the property, that doesn’t give them the right to just break-in to your rented unit without any notice. But it depends on the circumstances; the laws on most states also give the right to most landlords to enter your rental unit without any notice if there is an emergency or fire.

• If it’s regarding any repair or maintenance issue make a written request. Keep records of all agreements or requests between you and your landlord. Take note of the date when the request was made, if the landlord or property manager responded or not if the request was fixed or not. Your landlord or property manager is responsible for any necessary repair to keep your unit in good condition. And having a habitable residence is one of the important tenant’s rights.

• If ever your landlord violates your rights, you may write a letter to your landlord. This is to notify the landlord whatever violation was made on his/her part and to give your landlord a chance to stop the violation. You may also talk to your landlord first. Your landlord or property manager would appreciate a talk first rather than receiving a letter right away.

• You have the right to take legal action if your renter’s right is violated or if your landlord breaches the lease. Take pictures of the property or get as much evidence that can prove the court of the violation made. But depending on the kind of violation this will only take longer and could create more problems. And this will strain your relationship. Instead of going to court, you may try to settle things first if possible regarding any dispute or consider mediation.

• The Fair Housing Act mandate that no landlord can refuse any prospective tenant just because of its race, religion, mental or physical disability, nationality, sex or family status. This is to protect the consumer’s rights against discrimination.

•  You must pay your rent based on the agreement made between you and your landlord/property manager. If not, your landlord or property manager has the right to perform an eviction process.

• Security deposit. It depends on the agreement of your lease and the landlord-tenant laws in your state. But just to make sure, it is better to read the lease carefully. Pay any utility bills obligations and avoid causing any damage to property because this would cause not getting your security deposit back. Make sure to understand how to communicate with your landlord about any issues with the property, maintenance issue or any problem.