Tenants' Rights

After the move is complete and keys are turned in, tenants wait anxiously for their landlord to return their security deposit. But what happens when a landlord withholds a security deposit? And what legal rights does a tenant have to get that money back?

Whether it’s the tenant’s fault, the landlord’s fault or the calendar dates changing, there will come a time when tenants will have to contact property owners to make repairs. But what happens when a landlord refuses to do so and the tenant needs a record of their discussions?

Strict lease agreements combined with local and state laws often make subletting and subleasing more complex. How can tenants rent out their units? And how should they approach the conversation with their landlord? Find out here.

Tenants can put themselves in the best position to avoid landlord disputes by understanding when and how it's legal to report repairs that become Building Violation. Here are some tips for reporting violations and what to do if retaliation occurs.

A past report from the Insurance Information Institute confirms only 36% of renters had renters insurance. This leaves renters scrambling after an unfortunate accident. Here are nine reasons that renters need to fix this immediately.

Fresh off of pandemic-induced eviction moratoriums, many landlords have raised their standards for tenants. In a survey by The Urban Institute, 39% of landlords reported being more stringent on screening criteria. The survey also reported that landlords are most concerned about previous evictions.

When tenants are looking for a new home, it is not always as simple as signing a lease, paying a deposit and scheduling movers. During their search for a rental, renters should prioritize the lease and the landlord, in addition to the home’s actual features. Asking the right questions can help avoid a miscommunication before it can start. Here are 10 questions tenants should always ask before moving into a new rental home.

Credit scores are a critical component in any rental application. Before agreeing to rent a home, landlords will request a credit check on prospective tenants to help determine how likely they are to pay the rent. Here are eight tips renters can use to help improve their credit scores in advance of submitting a rental application.

Mistakes happen. But what happens when that mistake requires a landlord to need to change the tenant’s lease after she’s already moved in? The response to mid-year lease changes can vary—a win-lose or lose-lose situation for the tenant or the landlord, or a win-win and a happy medium for both parties.

This signed contract formalizes the professional relationship and outlines the terms of their agreement. But is it a good idea for renters to sign on the dotted line? Yes and no. Here’s why.

Independent workers must be cautious about following tax laws perfectly when filing this deduction so their claims can stand up against an audit. The Internal Revenue Service has strict rules about if and when workers can make a home office deduction.

When tenants enter into a signed rental contract with a landlord, they’re agreeing to a set of terms that include the rental rate, residential rules and the date when the lease ends. But life happens, and sometimes renters may need to break the lease.