At some point in your life, you’ve probably rented an apartment. Maybe it was for you or maybe it is for your child who is in college. You may wonder if tenants have any rights. This is especially true if you or your child have a less-than-desirable owner.

The relationship between landlord and tenant should be based on both trust and respect. However, this is rarely the case. What do you do if you have a landlord who refuses to fix things when they break down? What do you do if your landlord refuses to return your security deposit when you move out of your apartment?

Here are some things to know to protect your rights as a tenant:

• Always put your leases in writing. A “verbal” lease can lead to misunderstandings in the man. Your lease should contain details about how much your rent will be and whether you are responsible for utilities. The lease must also specify when your rent is due. A lease may also specify whether pets are allowed and what types of pets are acceptable. The more specific the lease, the better.
• Owners should expect some wear and tear on the apartment. A renter may be liable for damage that cannot be considered normal wear and tear. To protect yourself, you may want to videotape your apartment before moving in. Be sure to take pictures of anything that is damaged or in poor condition. For example, holes in walls or broken curtains in windows should be documented. Then do the same when you move out.
• Get permission from the landlord if you want to paint or make other improvements to the apartment. When you get permission, make sure it is in writing and specifies the kinds of things that can be done. For example, if your landlord agrees that you paint your daughter’s room with pink paint, do so in writing.
• Your landlord may charge you a rental fee if you are late. This fee must be specified in the lease.
• You are entitled to your security deposit after moving out of your apartment. To ensure you get your deposit back, you must give your landlord 30 days’ written notice if you plan to end your lease. You should receive your deposit within 45 business days after leaving the apartment.
• Your landlord must ask your permission to enter your apartment. The only way a landlord can enter your apartment without warning is if there is an emergency or if an item needs to be repaired immediately.
• Tenant rights vary from state to state and can be affected by other factors.

If you have any questions about your rights as a tenant, you should contact an attorney with experience in this area of ​​law. In addition, you should also consult with an attorney before exercising your rights as a tenant. This is important to avoid liability and lawsuits.