About Tenant Law Bill of Rights

Many people cannot afford to own a home or choose not to take on the expense. For this reason, many people choose to rent homes. Unfortunately living in someone else's home can be quite difficult, as landlord and tenant relations can be stressful. Just because you are living in someone else's home does not mean you don't have rights.

Right to Covenant Performance

A tenant has the right to have their
landlord perform the required covenants stated in the lease. A
covenant is another word for agreement, and these covenants or
agreements made in the lease must be followed. If a landlord
promises to repair broken household items, he must repair the sink
when it breaks. If a landlord refuses to cover it, the tenant may
sue the landlord to enforce it. These covenants are required even if
the tenant is behind or late on their rental payments.

Right to Possession

The tenant has the right to possession
of the premises at the beginning of the rental lease term. This
means the keys must be given to the tenant on the first day of the
lease and make the property available to the tenant on the date
given.

Right to Quiet Enjoyment

A landlord cannot prohibit the types
of enjoyment the tenant partakes in, barring any illegal or unsafe
activity. A landlord shall not exclude the tenant from a certain
portion of the house, if the landlord does this-the rental agreement
should be restated. If a landlord makes the premises inhabitable,
the tenant may terminate the lease and sue the landlord for damages.

Right of Habitability

The landlord must make the property
safe and habitable for humans. Housing codes should always be
followed and repairs made quickly. If these tenets are not followed,
the tenant may terminate the lease and sue for any damages.

Right Agains Retaliatory Eviction

A tenant shall not be evicted as
retaliation for exercising their tenant rights. A proper reason
(unpaid rent, breaking the lease, etc) must be given for any
eviction procedures.