Regional Landlord Associations and Publications

Local landlord associations and state landlord-tenant publications connect rental property owners with networking opportunities, practical guidance, and up-to-date information on local housing laws. These resources bring together real estate professionals, from investors to property managers, and provide education, community support, and tools that help owners navigate the legal side and day-to-day challenges of owning a rental property.

Joining your regional landlord association and reading your state’s landlord-tenant publication is a great way to grow your professional network and stay up-to-date on local regulations. Still, you may encounter situations that require professional legal support. In these cases, consider working with a landlord-tenant attorney in your area. They can provide tailored legal advice based on your situation and local regulations and recommend the next best steps to protect your business.

What Do Landlord Associations Do?

State landlord-tenant publications help landlords, property management companies, and tenants navigate their relationships during a rental agreement.

A landlord or apartment association is a real estate organization made up of individuals, including:

• Landlords
• Real estate investors
• Rental property owners
• Property management companies and housing providers
• Realtors, salespeople, and other real estate professionals

Members of an apartment owners association or rental housing association share common goals. They will often be located in or own multifamily investment property in the same city or state. Apartment associations are formed with several goals and member benefits in mind, including:

• Creating an opportunity for landlords to organize their efforts to impact laws
• Advancing local and state landlord-tenant, property, and land-use legislation and regulations
• Allowing landlords to network with other local property owners
• Referring reputable contractors, vendors, and management services
• Providing tenant screening systems and other residential property services to owners

Besides general advocacy, rental housing industry associations offer educational membership benefits. For example, apartment associations may provide education to landlords and property managers about:

• New and ongoing renter eviction proceedings
• Developments in landlord-tenant and property law
• Real estate investment vacancy rates
• Fair housing issues in counties and municipalities (e.g., Greater Los Angeles, Alameda, San Antonio, San Diego)
• Properties for sale in a geographic area (e.g., California, New York, Texas)

As a rental property owner, you may encounter a legal issue that requires more finesse than what your local landlord association can offer. Consult a lawyer if a tenant dispute escalates, including threats of nonpayment, property damage, or discrimination complaints. Find local legal help.

Getting Involved With Your Local Landlord Association

Apartment associations hold regular meetings at local establishments or meeting facilities. They may take further communication steps, including the publication of:

• Newsletters
• Forums and bulletin boards
• Online resources, including membership directories

Perhaps you’re a landlord, property owner, or property investor in a city. You may have the opportunity to get involved in a landlord or apartment association. Talk to fellow property owners or contact your local housing department to learn more.

Another good place to start is the National Association of Independent Landlords. Many cities also have their own landlord and apartment associations, such as the:

You can also enter your city or metro area and “landlord association” into a search engine to see what’s available.

State and Regional Landlord-Tenant Publications

Most states publish handbooks to help landlords and tenants navigate disputes, legal issues, and more. These guides cover topics like:

• Renting tips and checklists
• Low-income housing options
• Leases and rental agreements
• Rent and late fees
• Rent increases
• Tenant’s rights and responsibilities
• Landlord’s rights and responsibilities

How To Find Your State’s Landlord-Tenant Guide

You can find state publications through different sources. Start your search with the following:

• Your state’s Attorney General’s Office (this includes a Division of Consumer Protection)
• Your state or local Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• Your state or local legal aid or legal services offices
• Your state or local Department of Commerce

Examples of Regional Landlord-Tenant Guides

Below are some state and city landlord-tenant publications:

• California: California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities
• Chicago: Chicago Tenant Rights & Landlord Guide
• Florida: Florida Landlord Network: Knowledge Hub
• New Jersey: Truth in Renting
• Minnesota: The Landlord’s Guide to Minnesota Law

Need More Help? Talk to a Local Attorney

You may be struggling with a local law affecting your rental property. Perhaps you’re just curious about the legal options available to you. All kinds of problems can affect an investment property owner.

Whatever the case, a legal professional’s advice can be a valuable tool. A landlord-tenant attorney or real estate lawyer can advise you. They can be a great resource on advancing your landlord rights, protecting your rental income, and growing your business.

FindLaw’s directory of landlord-tenant lawyers can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Because your state and local laws matter, your attorney should be licensed in the state where your rental property is. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.