{"id":369242,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rent-security-deposits.html"},"modified":"2026-10-15T15:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T20:43:00","slug":"rent-security-deposits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rent-security-deposits.html","title":{"rendered":"Rent and Security Deposit Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Rent and Security Deposit Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 15, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>State laws govern key aspects of security deposits, including how much landlords may charge, where they must be held, and how quickly landlords must return them after a tenant moves out.<\/li>\n<li>Rent laws generally require lease agreements to clearly state the rent amount, due date, payment methods, and any late fees.<\/li>\n<li>Tenants who believe a landlord has wrongfully withheld a security deposit may have legal remedies, including recovering additional damages through small claims court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> is money a tenant pays their\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>\u00a0as financial protection against excessive wear and tear. The tenant pays the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> before or at the start of their lease. After the lease ends, the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>\u00a0must return the money to the tenant, minus any itemized deductions. State laws dictate when <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span>\u00a0must return the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>\u00a0after the lease ends.<\/p>\n<p>This article explains what <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span> owners and renters should know about rent and <span data-term-id=\"60232279\">security deposit<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232279\"> laws<\/span>. If you\u2019re a <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> or tenant with a rent or <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> issue, legal help is available. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A local attorney<\/a> can assess your situation, explain how state laws apply, and recommend next steps to protect your rights and interests.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> often ask for a <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> and the <span data-term-id=\"60232313\">last month\u2019s rent<\/span> before a tenant moves into a <span data-term-id=\"60232292\">rental unit<\/span>. These funds cover the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>\u2019s costs if the tenant moves out early or doesn\u2019t clean before vacating. After the rental period ends, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> must return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>, minus the amounts they used to repair the <span data-term-id=\"60232292\">rental unit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>The law and the <span data-term-id=\"60232302\">residential <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232287\">lease<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232287\"> agreement<\/span> are two <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rent-and-security-deposit-tips.html\">sources of authority for <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposits<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>State <span data-term-id=\"60232279\">security deposit<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232279\"> laws<\/span> regulate how <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> handle a tenant\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>. Many states require <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> to keep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposits<\/span><\/a> in an <span data-term-id=\"60232299\">interest-bearing account<\/span>. In some states, like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov\/Pages\/CPD\/landlords.aspx#:~:text=The%20landlord%20must%20return%20a,days%20after%20the%20tenancy%20ends.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland<\/a>, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span>\u00a0use an <span data-term-id=\"60232309\">escrow account<\/span> to hold the money. Other states limit the amount a\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>\u00a0may request as a <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> can charge up to <span data-term-id=\"60232290\">two months\u2019 rent<\/span> for an unfurnished <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span> in <a href=\"https:\/\/selfhelp.courts.ca.gov\/guide-security-deposits-california\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California<\/a>. Moreover, California <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> must return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> within 21 days of move-out.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposit<\/span> Limitations<\/h3>\n<p>State <span data-term-id=\"60232279\">security deposit<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232279\"> laws<\/span> also limit how\u00a0much <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> can collect. In some states, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoples-law.org\/security-deposits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maryland<\/a>, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> generally\u00a0cannot ask for more than\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232289\">one month\u2019s rent<\/span>\u00a0as a\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> can usually collect the <span data-term-id=\"60232313\">last month\u2019s rent<\/span> upfront in addition to\u00a0or instead of\u00a0a <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>. However, they cannot use the <span data-term-id=\"60232313\">last month\u2019s rent<\/span> to cover end-of-lease damages, as they can with\u00a0a <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Higher <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-background-screening-faq.html\">During screening<\/a>, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> can check a potential renter\u2019s background, including their credit score. Some <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> offset potential risks by asking for a higher <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> and Rent<\/h2>\n<p>The purpose of renting out property is to generate income. The <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> sets the rent amount, and the tenant pays it per the <span data-term-id=\"60232281\">rental agreement<\/span>. Nonpayment of rent can lead to <span data-term-id=\"60232282\">eviction<\/span>, which is time-consuming and often expensive. To avoid confusion about rent payments,\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-open-a-property-management-company.html\">property management companies<\/a> can take steps to ensure rent is paid on time and\u00a0in full.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Eviction is a legal process that requires several steps. A misstep can harm your business, expose you to legal trouble, and cost you money. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60232287\">Lease agreements<\/span> should outline the following items:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The rent amount<\/li>\n<li>Rent due date<\/li>\n<li>Method(s) of payment<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60232301\">Late fees<\/span>, if any<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Make sure the tenant receives a receipt every time they pay rent. This can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/get-legal-help-with-a-landlord-tenant-issue.html\">help prevent disputes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Renters and <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> require a deposit before the lease starts. Most states require <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span>\u00a0to keep this money in an interest-bearing bank account. The tenant gets any interest collected during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rental-lease-agreements.html\">lease term.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Rent Receipts<\/h3>\n<p>As a tenant, do not make assumptions. Get a written receipt for the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"60232313\">last month\u2019s rent<\/span>, if applicable.<\/p>\n<p>The written receipt should include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Amount paid<\/li>\n<li>Date of payment<\/li>\n<li>Purpose of the payment (i.e., &#8220;<span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>&#8220;)<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/parties-to-a-lease.html\">names of the parties<\/a> involved<\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> or property manager\u2019s signature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Tenant Move-In<\/h3>\n<p>Note the condition of the <span data-term-id=\"60232292\">rental unit<\/span> before moving in. Take photographs where necessary, document any issues, and have the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> sign off. That way, the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> cannot <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html\">charge you for damage<\/a> that existed before your lease.<\/p>\n<h3>Moving Out: Final Inspections<\/h3>\n<p>Renters have several responsibilities when they are moving out of a <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span>. First, they must give the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/sample-letter-to-landlord.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60232288\">written notice<\/span><\/a> that they are vacating the unit. This notice should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The date the renter is leaving<\/li>\n<li>A <span data-term-id=\"60232294\">forwarding address<\/span> where the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> can send the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Proposed times for a final inspection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Renters should schedule a final inspection before they move out of a <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span>. Some states, like Maryland, have laws governing a final inspection. In Maryland, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> must notify tenants at least 15 days before the renter leaves of the date and time of the final inspection via <span data-term-id=\"60232293\">certified mail<\/span>. Additionally, the inspection must occur five days before or after the move-out date.<\/p>\n<p>In states without any requirements, renters should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">conduct their final inspection<\/a>. They should create a <span data-term-id=\"60232305\">move-out inspection<\/span> record through pictures, video, and detailed notes. Photos and videos help document the property\u2019s condition. The tenant should note\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232278\">normal wear and tear<\/span>\u00a0and damage beyond normal wear, then provide the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> with a copy of the inspection notes.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60232278\">Normal wear and tear<\/span> excludes conditions like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cigarette burns on a carpet<\/li>\n<li>Water damage to a floor from the tenant\u2019s neglect<\/li>\n<li>Broken tiles on a kitchen counter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Damage beyond what would occur over time is not <span data-term-id=\"60232278\">normal wear and tear<\/span>. The <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/repairs-maintenance.html\">use the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> to repair<\/a>\u00a0actual damages.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> may also use the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> to clean the <span data-term-id=\"60232292\">rental unit<\/span> or cover <span data-term-id=\"60232280\">unpaid rent<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Return of <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At least a few weeks before the end of the <span data-term-id=\"60232286\">tenancy<\/span>, the tenant should give the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> <span data-term-id=\"60232288\">written notice<\/span> of their move. This allows the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> to prepare for a subsequent tenant and to release the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>To collect their full <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>, tenants should follow their lease and local law. This includes cleaning the <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span> and completing a <span data-term-id=\"60232305\">move-out inspection<\/span> with the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>. They should take photos or a video to support the assessment. If you do not clean the apartment or if you cause property damage, the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>\u00a0may use the\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>\u00a0to cover repair costs.<\/p>\n<p>In many states, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> must return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> within 14 to 45 days after move-out. The tenant must provide the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> with a new address to return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> and interest. In many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-month-by-month-lease-and-a-fixed.html\">month-to-month leases<\/a>, <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlords<\/span> must return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> within 30 days.<\/p>\n<p>If the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> doesn\u2019t return the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> or provide an <span data-term-id=\"60232300\">itemized list of deductions<\/span>, the tenant may seek relief in <span data-term-id=\"60232283\">small claims court<\/span>. If successful, the tenant can recover two to three times the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>, court costs, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60232295\">attorney fees<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposit<\/span> Deductions<\/h3>\n<p>If the <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tax-deductions-for-landlord-responsibilities.html\">deducts from the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span><\/a>, they must give the tenant an <span data-term-id=\"60232291\">itemized statement<\/span>. That statement should include the damage and the cost of repairs <span data-term-id=\"60232306\">deducted from the <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>. <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">Landlords<\/span> must return any unused portion of the <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> to the tenant.<\/p>\n<p>Possible deductions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60232280\">Unpaid rent<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Unpaid utilities<\/li>\n<li>Property damage (beyond <span data-term-id=\"60232310\">ordinary wear and tear<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Professional cleaning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once the tenant receives your <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span>, check any deductions, and ensure your <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> has included any accrued interest. If you have\u00a0any issues with getting your\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> back, you can sue your <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-cases.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60232283\">small claims court<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help With a Rent or <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">Security Deposit<\/span> Issue<\/h2>\n<p>Disputes over <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposits<\/span> and rent payments are not uncommon in <span data-term-id=\"60232285\">landlord<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60232285\">-tenant law<\/span>. As an owner, you depend on rental income to cover your expenses, and responsible tenants expect their <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> to be returned on time and in full. If your <span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span> won\u2019t return your <span data-term-id=\"60232276\">security deposit<\/span> or you\u2019re a <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span> owner in a dispute with your tenant, a qualified <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"60232277\">landlord<\/span>-tenant attorney<\/a> can help.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">directory of attorneys<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal help near you. Enter your <span data-term-id=\"60232312\">legal issue<\/span> and city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state of the <span data-term-id=\"60232284\">rental property<\/span>. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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<fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n               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  class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Landlords should get legal help for issues with legal risk, such as evictions or complex lease violations<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">A lawyer can defend tenants against an eviction, handling filings, deadlines, and hearings<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or landlord-tenant issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord\/Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Both landlords and renters should know how rent and security laws apply to them. FindLaw explains the rules, what to do if there\u2019s a dispute, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369187,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","_cf_multicollab_revision_bundle":"{\"comments\":[],\"th_comments\":[],\"current_drafts\":\"\",\"counts\":{\"open_cf_count\":\"0\",\"open_cf_comment_key\":[]}}","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369242","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369242"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":414217,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369242\/revisions\/414217"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369242"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369242"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}