{"id":369275,"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\/tenants-rights-basics.html"},"modified":"2023-08-03T11:21:26","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T16:21:26","slug":"tenants-rights-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenants-rights-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Tenants’ Rights Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tenants' Rights Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In the landlord-tenant relationship, both parties have fundamental rights and responsibilities. The landlord must maintain safe and habitable<\/a> housing. Landlords have the right to receive monthly rent in full by its due date.<\/p>\r\n

Tenants also have rights<\/a> under federal, state, and local laws. These rights include a livable home and freedom from unlawful discrimination. Both parties must follow the terms of the lease agreement.<\/p>\r\n

While prospective tenants with lower incomes have limited choices for housing, a tenant’s rights<\/a> are non-negotiable. These rights cover different rental properties, including family homes or mobile homes.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of a few tenants’ legal rights. Please note nothing in this article substitutes legal advice from a qualified landlord-tenant<\/a> or real estate attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Tenants’ Right to Clear Terms of Lease<\/h2>\r\n

A lease is a binding written agreement. It outlines the tenant’s sides of the landlord-tenant relationship, identifying the duties and responsibilities of both parties. While there is room for negotiation, most landlords use their own leases. For this reason, tenants must carefully review the terms of the lease.<\/p>\r\n

The written lease should identify the following:<\/p>\r\n