Renter's Rights
When you rent property, you have legal rights to ensure that your needs are met. Renters have rights under the Equal Housing Opportunity Act, which landlords and property owners must follow. Any landlord who tries to evict you must have a liable claim, and any changes to the original lease agreement must be made with your consent. You also have the right to privacy with any property you rent.
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Rent Increases
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You have the right to refuse a rent increase before the lease agreement has expired as long as the original agreement does not state otherwise. If you pay the amount of rent specified in the lease agreement by the scheduled due date, the landlord cannot request additional rent. If you're late with your payment, you have the right to contest any late fees or penalties if those provisions were not included in the original lease agreement.
Equal Housing Opportunity
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Renters have the right to equal housing opportunities, meaning you can't be discriminated against because of race, age, gender or family status. If you have small children, a landlord or leasing agent cannot evict you because of this unless the lease agreement states that the property is restricted to tenants of a certain age.
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Repairs
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The landlord must repair any damages that were not caused by wear and tear without any cost to you. For instance, if the air-conditioning unit goes out in your rental unit, the landlord must fix the air-conditioning with his own money, unless it's otherwise noted in the lease agreement. You may have the right to request other maintenance, such as carpet cleaning or wall painting, if that's outlined in the lease agreement.
Privacy Rights
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As a renter, you are entitled to privacy rights that prohibit the landlord from coming into your home without consent. The landlord must notify you within a certain time frame, usually 24 hours, before they enter. The landlord can enter only to repair the property or if there is suspicious behavior. You may not be harassed or have anything taken from the property you rent.
Eviction Rights
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You have the right to seek legal action against any landlord who has violated the terms of the agreement. If you have requested maintenance and the landlord has ignored the request, you may file a legal claim. After the legal claim has been filed, the landlord cannot evict you because of the claim.
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