Landlord Rights Under Federal Laws
Along with responsibilities, landlords have certain rights and protections under federal law. Rights granted to landlords include collecting security deposits, evicting tenants, raising rent and emergency entry rights.
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Collecting Security Deposits
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Landlords can ask for a reasonable security deposit from a tenant, but maximum amount limits vary from state to state. One to three month's rent is the general amount a landlord may ask for in a security deposit.
Eviction
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The right to evict a tenant for not paying rent or for breaking the terms of a lease is given to landlords by federal law as well; however, landlords must follow proper procedures, which vary among states. A written notice is usually required, along with anywhere from two weeks to more than a month to allow the tenant to move.
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Entry Into Premises
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Landlords may enter into the residence being leased with written notice in advance (and with the tenant's permission) for a specific reason (such as repairs); however, in emergency situations, a landlord has the right to enter the premises to deal with the situation at hand (such as a fire or gas leak).
Withholding Security Deposits
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Along with collecting security deposits, landlords may also withhold security deposits in order to pay for repairs and maintenance from any damages caused by a tenant.
Asserting Rights
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Landlords can assert the rights granted by federal law in the court systems (state and local) to collect money for damages, resolve a civil suit by a tenant and evict a tenant. Written lease agreements following state and federal laws help landlords assert their rights.
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