Common renter questions, answered

Can my landlord enter my home without notice?

In most states, no — a landlord generally must give reasonable advance notice before entering, and can only enter…

Do I still have privacy rights if my landlord lives next door?

Usually yes — living nearby doesn't erase your rights as a tenant, including notice before entry and quiet enjoyment of…

Can my landlord keep my deposit without proof of damages?

Generally no — most states require a landlord to give you an itemized written statement of any deductions, and they…

Can my landlord keep my deposit and still bill me for more?

Only for real, documented costs. A landlord can seek amounts beyond your deposit if actual damage or unpaid rent…

Can my landlord lock me out if I've paid rent and my lease is valid?

No. In many states — including Texas — a landlord cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order.…

Can my landlord keep their belongings in the space I rent?

Usually not, if it wasn't in your lease. When you rent a space, you're generally entitled to the full use of what…

Can my landlord raise my rent without a reason?

In many places a landlord doesn't have to give a “reason” to raise rent when a lease renews — but there are real…

How often can my landlord raise my rent?

As a rule, not during a fixed-term lease — the rent is locked until the term ends unless your lease says otherwise. For…

How much can my landlord raise my rent?

It depends on where you live. Most U.S. states have no statewide cap, so at renewal a landlord can set the new rent —…

Can my landlord change how I pay rent and then call it late?

Generally not out of the blue. Your lease usually sets how and where rent is paid, and a landlord typically can't…

My rent check got lost in the mail — what are my rights?

If you sent rent on time by the method your lease allows, you're generally in a reasonable position — especially if you…

Can my landlord add a fee to pay rent — do I have to pay it?

It depends on your lease and state. Fees generally have to be authorized by your agreement and comply with state law,…

Can I Withhold Rent Until My Landlord Makes Repairs?

This is one of the riskiest moves a tenant can make on their own. Some states allow rent withholding, rent…

What Happens If I Break My Lease Early?

Generally, you remain financially responsible for the lease unless a specific exception applies or your…

What Can I Do If My Corporate Landlord Is Ignoring Me?

You have the same tenant rights against a large property-management company or corporate landlord as you…

Is a Portal Fee to Pay Rent Legal?

It depends. A portal or “convenience” fee to pay rent online is often allowed, but generally only if it's…

Is My Landlord Retaliating Against Me After I Complained?

Possibly — in many states, it's illegal for a landlord to punish a tenant for a legally protected action,…

What Can I Do If My Landlord Denied My Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal generally isn't treated as a “pet” under federal fair housing law — it's usually…