Protect Your Renter Rights

Answer 1

People have various reasons for renting an apartment or a house. Those reasons come with rights, and if you decide to become a renter, you should be aware of those rights. Federal Laws protect you before you sign a lease and once you move into the residence. Not owning your home does not prevent the law from protecting your rights as a renter.

A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you for discriminatory reasons. If the landlord rejects your application, you have a right to know the reason. Federal law protects you from discrimination practices such as race, gender, age, color, religion and national origin. People with mental and physical disabilities are also protected under federal law. Additionally, landlords cannot discriminate against pregnant women and people with children. Many state and local housing laws mirror federal laws.

There are some exceptions to the federal housing statutes. Private organizations and religious groups that offer housing for members are not subject to discrimination violations. Owner-occupied buildings with less than four rental units and housing units for seniors are also exempt from federal law.

The no pets policy does not apply if you have a trained animal because of a mental or physical disability. Refusing to rent to you violates federal housing laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

You also have a right to know any negative information that a potential landlord receives about you during the application process. This includes information from your employer, banking institution, previous landlords and a credit report. This renter’s right is protected under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The apartment or house you rent must be habitable. A landlord should not include a statement in the lease that waives your right to a safe and clean residence. A house or apartment is considered uninhabitable if an infestation of vermin exists. The place is unsafe if plaster is falling from the ceiling; there is bad wiring; and/or holes are in the floor. The rental unit should also be free from lead-based paint.

Make sure you get everything in writing in order to protect your rights. Landlords can make promises to get a tenant. However, without a written record you will have a harder time proving your side in court.

You have rights as a renter to fight against an eviction if you have proof that the landlord was wrong. State laws outline the terms of an illegal conviction such as giving sufficient notice.