Landlords and the Law - Forms and Resources

Tenants often enjoy legal processes designed to protect their right to stay in their homes. However, the landlord still owns the building. It is the landlord who pays for the building, and consequently most states work to protect landlords' (homeowners') investments.

Still, it's not always easy to navigate the various landlord-tenant laws and ordinances on the books. To help landlords with this tast, here you will find links to residential lease forms, state-specific landlord-tenant laws, federal housing information, and more.

State Landlord-Tenant Laws

• Security Deposit Limits, State by State
• Deadline for Returning Security Deposits, State-by-State
• Cleaning and Repairs a Landlord Can Deduct From a Security Deposit
• Chart: State-by-State Anti-Retaliation Statutes
• Chart: Landlord-Tenant Statutes, State by State

State-Specific Landlord-Tenant Publications

Real Estate Lease Packages and Forms

More Resources:

• Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections in Your State (U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development)
• State Housing and Real Estate Agencies (FindLaw's Tenants' Rights Center)
• Local Renting Information (HUD)
• State-Specific Resources from HUD (FindLaw's Real Estate Center)
• Housing Discrimination: Federal Laws (FindLaw's Civil Rights Center)