Landlords and tenants frequently face legal issues when renting or leasing property. If you are a landlord or a tenant, it’s important that you understand your rights, responsibilities, and risks related to renting or leasing property. When landlords and tenants have questions about their rights and responsibilities as landlords or tenants, they should consult with an experienced landlord and tenant lawyer who can help them navigate the nuances of this relationship. In this post, we will discuss some common legal issues faced by landlords and tenants and top recommended landlord tenant lawyer in the country.
What rights do landlords and tenants have?
Landlords and tenants have extensive rights, responsibilities, and risks inherent in the landlord-tenant relationship. Landlords must follow state and federal laws when terminating or evicting a tenant, collecting rent, or making repairs. Tenants must follow their lease agreements, pay their rent on time, and take care of the property. Landlords have the right to collect rent from tenants. Tenants have the right to live in a clean, safe environment that follows health and safety codes. Landlords must provide tenants with safe, livable homes. Tenants must pay their rent and communicate with their landlords if they have repair requests.
When are lease agreements void?
Lease agreements are void if they are not in writing. A written lease should contain the start and end date of the lease, the amount of rent and other fees (such as late fees or pet fees), and a detailed description of the tenant’s obligations. If a landlord or tenant attempts to change any of these terms, the terms must be in writing. If a landlord or tenant attempts to change the terms of the lease after it is signed, the other party may refuse to sign the new terms. If a landlord or tenant tries to enforce the new terms anyway, the original lease terms remain in effect. If the new terms are written, they become part of a new lease agreement.
When can a tenant break a lease agreement?
A tenant can break a lease agreement in a few different circumstances. If a tenant is fleeing an abusive partner, he or she can break the lease without penalty. If a tenant is a victim of domestic violence and/or stalking, he or she can break the lease without penalty. If a tenant’s rental unit becomes uninhabitable, a tenant can break the lease without penalty. If a landlord refuses to make repairs, the tenant should report the situation to the appropriate government agency. If the agency is unable to get the landlord to repair the rental unit, the tenant can break the lease.
Tips for renting to roommates
Landlords are permitted to refuse to rent to tenants who plan to share their rental unit with roommates. Some landlords require tenants to sign a Roommate Agreement that details who is permitted to live in the rental unit, who is responsible for cleaning the unit, and how many people are permitted to live in the unit. Other landlords simply ask tenants to sign a statement saying they will not share their rental unit with additional people. If a landlord asks tenants to sign a statement, the landlord should note the statement is not legally binding.
When may a landlord evict a tenant?
Landlords may evict tenants in a few different circumstances. If a tenant fails to pay rent, a landlord may evict the tenant. If a tenant violates the lease agreement, a landlord may evict the tenant. If a tenant damages the rental property, a landlord may evict the tenant.
Conclusion
Landlords and tenants have rights, responsibilities, and risks inherent in the landlord-tenant relationship. If you are a landlord or a tenant, it’s important that you understand your rights, responsibilities, and risks related to renting or leasing property. If you have legal questions about the landlord-tenant relationship, you should consult with a landlord and tenant lawyer who can help you navigate the nuances of this relationship.
