Know your rights as a renter.
Plain answers for renters in all 50 states and DC. Each answer links to where it comes from. We check those sources every week.
Pick a location to search one place. See every place we cover →
Common situations
Legal terms, explained
- Court records / evidence Photos, letters, and receipts you keep as proof.
- Deposit penalty damages (2x/3x) Extra money a landlord must pay you for wrongly keeping your deposit. Often 2 or 3 times the deposit.
- Deposit return deadline How many days your landlord has to return your deposit after you move out.
- Eviction court process The steps of an eviction case, from the court papers to the hearing to the day you must leave.
- Illegal lockout When a landlord locks you out or shuts off your utilities (water, electric, gas) to force you out. It is against the law.
- Itemized deduction statement The written list of what was taken out of your deposit, and why.
- Repair requests in writing Asking for repairs in writing, so there is proof of when you asked.
- Warranty of habitability Your landlord's duty to keep your home safe and fit to live in.