Tenant Rights

As humans, we are granted basic rights. We have earned the privilege to essentially do and say as we please, with limitations of course. If you wish to rent and become a tenant, you are granted rights as well because you’re still a human. Living under someone else’s roof has the tendency to make us feel like those rights are being revoked and demolished, but that’s actually not the case at all! There are rules and regulations that your landlord must follow. In a nutshell, all of your “needs” will be heard, if they are within reason of course, and you will be treated fairly at all times. Furthermore, being a tenant is not as downgrading as people may make it seem. Let me provide you with the facts that will help you become more aware of your rights if this is the path that you wish to choose. 

No Discrimination

It is important to embrace the person that you are. There are several laws indicating that under any circumstance, a landlord cannot discriminate against a tenant. This is better known as The Federal Fair Housing Act. It prohibits any actions that belittle one’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality or disability. An interested or current tenant cannot be shut out due to the color of their skin or who they chose to be with. This even applies during the searching process. When you are interested in a property, your real estate agent is not permitted to directly or indirectly mention anything to the landlord about those characteristics. It is 100% illegal. 

Habitable Home

From time to time, repairs will need to be completed. Tangible items are not designed to last forever. Therefore, they will need to be changed at some point down the line. At all times, your property should have hot and cold running water, working appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave, toilet, etc, no infestations and nothing that serves as a hazard. Everything should be in operating condition, providing a sustainable living environment. It is required that all basic facilities and resources function properly when the home is tenant-occupied.

Privacy

Whether you own the property or not, you are still entitled to your personal space. A landlord is not permitted to spontaneously enter your home as they wish. Just because they have ownership does not mean that privacy disappears. If they would like to access the rental property for whatever reason, they must consult with you first. Showing up unannounced is prohibited. It is certain that you will receive a heads up as to when they will be arriving, no question about it.