Landlord-Tenant Law
The body of state and local law governing the rights and obligations of property owners and renters under residential lease agreements.
Landlord-tenant law governs the legal relationship between property owners and those who rent residential property. It covers lease formation, security deposits, habitability standards, notice requirements for entry, rent increases, and the eviction process. These laws are primarily state-specific, with some local jurisdictions adding additional tenant protections.
Key tenant rights include the implied warranty of habitability (landlords must provide safe, livable premises with heat, water, and structural soundness), the right to quiet enjoyment, and security deposit protections requiring itemized deductions within a specified period.
Key landlord rights include collecting rent, enforcing lease terms, and recovering possession through proper legal eviction. Landlords cannot use "self-help" eviction tactics like changing locks or shutting off utilities—these are illegal in virtually all states and expose the landlord to significant liability.
Real-World Example
After the landlord entered without 24-hour notice three times in one month, the tenant documented each incident and filed a habitability complaint with the city housing authority.