How a landlord can violate your rights, and what to do

Фото: Depositphotos

Renting a new apartment can be a fascinating experience or a number of problems. The landlord’s sole purpose is to make money. Therefore, if it violates your rights and makes your life in an apartment intolerable, then you have leverage that will help to change the situation.

Below is a list of 8 things a landlord can do and how you can protect your rights.

1. Your landlord does not return the security deposit

Some unscrupulous landlords do not return the security deposit when the time comes. As soon as you ask for a refund, the landlord disappears.

What to do

Carefully read the terms of the lease. First, make sure that the landlord has set out all the conditions for the security deposit, including the time when the deposit will be returned. Make sure the apartment is in good condition. This is important, as the landlord may request that the apartment be returned in the same manner as upon delivery. If damages are detected, the landlord has the right not to return the security deposit. If you have repaired something in a rented apartment, be sure to present the appropriate receipts.

If the landlord does not return the deposit, then write a letter and send it by mail. If you decide to sue, then this letter may be evidence in your favor.

2. Landlord refuses to overhaul

Rented apartment needs major repairs, and the owner refuses to do it? If the landlord delays the solution of this issue without a good reason, then an emergency may arise in the apartment, from which the whole house may suffer.

What to do

Send the landlord a request for repair in writing. Take pictures of those objects that need repair. These documents can be a reason for legal action.

Call and leave a complaint with the local municipality. They will be required to send an inspector who assesses the need for repairs, and if the landlord violates the law, he will have to pay a fine.

3. A landlord comes to a rented apartment without warning.

The landlord can not come to the apartment every time he wants. He is obliged to notify you about the planned visit. The only case where the landlord can come without warning is an emergency situation, such as a leak of water or gas.

What to do

Privacy laws vary by state. But first you need to talk to the homeowner. If the conversation did not give a result, then send him a written notice that in case he arrives without warning, then you reserve the right to file a lawsuit in court.

4. Rent increases without official notice.

The landlord increased the payment for an apartment without prior notice. You are not sure that next month he will not raise the payment again.

What to do

The landlord 30 days before the expected date of payment increase must notify you in writing. Insist that the landlord notify you of changes in payment in writing. The landlord has the right to raise the price of housing, but is obliged to warn in advance. If you have not received written notice, you can file a lawsuit.

5. Your landlord is trying to evict you

The landlord has no right to evict you without good reason.

What to do

Go to court. Your right to stay in the apartment is enshrined in the contract. If the landlord is trying to force you to sign a new agreement without good reason, then you can safely go to court.

6. You are charged excessive fees.

The landlord must notify you of any additional payments that you have to pay, as well as inform in advance if something changes. All fees must be stated in the rental agreement.

What to do

Specify what the landlord charges fees for. If these additional expenses were not registered in the contract or the landlord cannot explain why he charges them, then this is a matter for the court proceedings.

7. The landlord does not allow the placement of funds in the apartment for spetsuhoda

A situation may arise when the landlord is against the introduction of a guide dog or the appearance of special things necessary for people with special needs. In this case, you do not need to leave the apartment.

What to do
Advise the landlord in advance that you need special care and a service dog. Learn the legal framework for renting apartments for people with special needs. Laws vary from state to state.

8. Landlord changes locks

Your landlord decided to change the locks without telling you about it? This behavior is illegal.

What to do

Call the police. Your landlord has no right to block your access to the apartment. He should warn you in advance about the planned changes.

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