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Tenant Rights

Welcome to the Tenant Rights section of FindLaw's Real Estate Center, providing information and resources for tenants (also referred to as "renters"). Whether you are looking to rent an apartment or house, need help understanding the landlord-tenant laws in your state, or are involved in a landlord-tenant dispute – this section will provide you with all you need to know concerning your rights as a tenant, lease and rental agreements, rent and security deposits, tenant safety, landlord liability, the eviction process, and more. This section also provides links to state landlord-tenant laws, and tips on hiring a real estate lawyer. For basics to keep in mind when renting, you can download FindLaw's Guide to Renting [pdf].
Learn About Tenant Rights
  • Tenants' Rights Basics

    A collection of links to resources on tenants’ rights. Learn about the rights tenants have under the laws of most states, including the right to repairs, the warranty of habitability, discriminatory practices, and more.

  • Tips for Protecting Your Tenant Rights

    A number of tips to help you protect your rights as a tenant. This article offers a number of things to keep in mind when renting a house or apartment, including getting all agreements in writing, insisting on timely repairs, and more.

  • How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

    Disputes over security deposits are the most common disagreements between tenants and landlords. This article provides a number of steps you can take to help get your security deposit back in full.

  • Tenants and Fair Housing

    The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, familial status, or color. This section provides links to a number of housing discrimination resources.

  • What Landlord Conduct Is Considered Retaliatory?

    In nearly every state, it’s illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant who is acting within his or her legal rights. This article explains how landlord retaliation laws work, the kinds of actions considered retaliatory, and more.

  • Landlord Tenant Disputes FAQ

    A list of common questions about landlord-tenant disputes. Find answers to your questions about how to avoid landlord-tenant disputes, going to court over a dispute, and how to settle a dispute out of court.

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