Misc. Definitions:
"Abandoned property" defined. "Abandoned property" means property which is left unattended on the premises after the termination of the tenancy, unless the owner of the property has expressed an …
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What Can Be Done About Noisy Neighbors?
Tenants are entitled to the quiet use and enjoyment of the premises, however a landlord is not necessarily responsible for the acts of neighbors and other tenants. If tha landlord has …
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Can You Have An Oral Lease Agreement?
Yes, but only for one year. A lease for more than one year must be written and signed by the tenant and landlord. Oral lease agreements can be from month to month or year to year. Oral leases for …
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Who’s Going to Fix That?
One of the greatest advantages to being a renter is that the landlord is responsible for making sure that the living space is habitable. In most states this means that the landlord is responsible for all maintenance and repairs that are necessary to make sure that the housing unit meets all applicable building codes and is safe for residents. The Landlord’s Responsibility …
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How to End a Residential Lease Early
Most written residential leases are in effect for a set amount of time such as one year. From a landlord’s perspective this is advantageous because the landlord does not have to think about finding another tenant during the lease term. However, while a tenant may intend to remain in the dwelling for the duration described in the lease, circumstances might change. For …
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Healthy Homes
This form from the Environmental Protection Agency provides information on keeping a home free of toxins and pollutants.
Are you a Victim of Housing Discrimination?
This form from the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information about unlawful housing and rental discrimination and contact …
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How-To's
How To Get Your Security Deposit Back
For renters, one of the most common questions is how to get back the security deposit at the end of the rental - and how much of it are we entitled to get back? The good news is that state laws usually spell out the answers - (1) the exact number of days within which a landlord must return the security deposit; and (2) what deductions can be made from the deposit. The bad news is that most …
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