Landlord / Tenant Issues

Landlord / Tenant Issues

When you rent a house or apartment to another person, you enter into a legal contract known as a landlord-tenant relationship. This contract has certain basic conditions set by law that you should understand before you enter into this type of agreement.

Landlord Rights and Responsibilities

As a landlord, you have the right to receive rent for the use of your property. You also have the right to have your property returned to you undamaged at the end of the rental agreement. It should be returned in the same condition it was received, except for normal wear and tear.

In exchange for these rights, it is your responsibility to provide a home that is habitable and to make repairs when needed. You must also equip the residence with a properly working smoke detector and provide the initial set of batteries if it is battery operated.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities:

• Right of Exclusive Possession - Even though the landlord owns the property, you generally have the right to your privacy. No one may invade your "home" without legal authority.
• Notice Requirements - Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours notice before entering the property, unless there are various circumstances such as prior permission granted, etc.
• Right to a Habitable Home - The property must be safe and sanitary. The space must be free of pests when you move in, and there must be proper wiring, plumbing, heating and weatherproofing.
• Maintenance Standards - The landlord must maintain these conditions throughout your rental period.

Common Landlord-Tenant Disputes

While most landlord-tenant agreements are completed without incident, the very "competing" nature of the two can result in conflicts. Common disputes include:

• Security deposit disputes
• Rent collection issues
• Property maintenance and repairs
• Lease violations
• Eviction proceedings
• Property damage claims
• Privacy and entry disputes
• Habitability issues

How We Can Help

Our firm is equipped to aid either the Landlord or the Tenant should such a conflict arise. We provide:

• Legal consultation on landlord-tenant law
• Lease review and drafting
• Eviction proceedings
• Security deposit disputes
• Property damage claims
• Habitability and maintenance issues
• Rent collection assistance
• Mediation and dispute resolution

Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect your property interests or a tenant defending your rights, our experienced attorneys can provide the guidance you need to resolve your landlord-tenant dispute effectively.

Ignoring your legal problems is likely to cause you greater expense, difficulty, and frustration in the long run. Therefore, please feel free to take advantage of the FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION offered by our firm so that you may make an informed decision regarding your future.