Being an Educated and Informed Landlord
In being a good landlord, one important thing to do is become familiar with your rights and responsibilities under your state and local landlord-tenant laws. The following are suggested proactive steps for becoming an educated and informed landlord:
- Consult local rental housing authorities or a knowledgeable real estate attorney to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities as a landlord under state and local laws. Examples: Landlords renting property in Washington, DC can find what their legal rights and responsibilities are by contacting the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and for landlords in Montgomery County Maryland, Department of Housing and Community Affairs
- Familiarize yourself with building and housing codes, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Provide adequate maintenance to keep your appliances and your electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems in good working condition.
- Assure security and safety for your tenants by providing locks, outdoor lighting, sufficient parking areas, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms and/or security alarms.
- Arrange for trash removal and provide sanitary living conditions.
- Respect your tenants’ privacy by giving adequate notice before entering a tenant’s unit.
- Establish written rental policies for your rental property and provide copies of the rental policies to tenants and rental applicants.
- Establish and maintain an organized system of collecting rental payments and security deposits.
- The most effective landlords know their legal rights and comply with state and local landlord-tenant laws.
- Avoid legal and discriminatory complaints by knowing your state and local landlord-tenant laws.
Additional Links
Learn more about renting and HUD sponsored rental assistance programs.
Learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and public housing.
This web site is for persons who wish to gain information about the laws that may apply to the landlord-tenant relationship. It is not a substitute for competent advice from an experienced legal professional on specific questions. It is a way to become more informed and able to recognize potential and real problems that may require legal assistance, and to avoid many problems before they arise.
Landlord.com assembled the statutory laws of all the states and the District of Columbia. However, Landlord.com did gather a collection of statutes that will give you a starting point, and a pamphlet describing Landlord/Tenant Rights. Search engines are included when available. Where the text of the Landlord-Tenant Law, or its equivalent is available, they have been included as well. We strongly recommend the use of the search engine.
The Landlord Protection Agency
This is a landlord-tenant law directory of links for state Landlord Tenant Laws and Statutes that affect rentals.
NOLO: Landlords & Property Management
NOLO is the nation’s leading provider of do-it-yourself legal solutions for consumers and small businesses. NOLO’s goal is to help people handle their own everyday legal matters — or learn enough about them to make working with a lawyer a more satisfying experience.
RentLaw.com: The National Landlord Tenant Guides
All information provided in this section is intended to help the average person prevent problems and deal with common concerns of renting. When legal help is needed, always consult with an attorney at law.