Are you looking to start fresh? Maybe you’re moving out and looking for a rental? Renting a property can be an exciting time, but it can also come with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights. This is to ensure that you are being treated fairly and prevent potential landlord disputes. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of your tenant rights while renting.
Read on!
Right to a Safe and Habitable Home
One of the most important tenant rights is the right to a safe and habitable home. Landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe and livable conditions for their tenants. This includes functioning electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, and safe stairways, roofs, and windows.
Landlords must also keep common areas, such as hallways and laundry rooms, clean and safe. If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you have a few options. First, you can try to work with your landlord to resolve the issue.
If your landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with your local housing department. Or, you can ask for tenant laws assistance from www.chicagolandconsumeradvocates.com.
In some cases, you may also have the right to do repairs yourself and deduct the cost from your rent.
Right to Privacy
Another important right you have for home or apartment rental is the right to privacy. Landlords cannot enter your rental property without your permission, except in emergency situations.
If your landlord needs to enter your home, they must give you reasonable notice. And, they must enter only during reasonable hours.
Right to Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing. This is based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on any of these protected characteristics. Additionally, landlords cannot set different tenant laws for tenants based on their protected status.
Right to a Written Lease Agreement
A written lease agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. This outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
This agreement should include the rental amount, due date, and any penalties for late payments. It should also have landlord laws about pets, smoking, and guests.
Right to Return of Security Deposit
A security deposit is a sum of money that is paid by the tenant at the beginning of the tenancy to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy.
The security deposit must be returned by the landlord, less any deductions for lost rent or damaged property. And after the renter vacates, it must be completed in a fair amount of time.
Right to End the Lease Early
If you need to end your lease early, you may be able to do so if your lease agreement includes an early termination clause. You can also do it if you have the landlord’s permission.
So, check if your lease agreement includes one. If it doesn’t, and your landlord does not agree to let you out of the lease, you may be responsible for paying the rent for the rest of the lease term.
Tenant Rights Awareness
Understanding your tenant rights is an important part of renting a property. It helps ensure that you are treated fairly and that you can resolve any disputes with your landlord in an informed and effective manner.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your tenant rights, reach out to your local housing department or a tenant’s rights organization for help.
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