How to Know Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

Renting a home or an apartment can be a hassle-free way to live for some people. Some people prefer to not have to deal with caring for a home or paying a mortgage. However, renting a home does not mean that you are without either responsibilities or rights.

• Search online through your state Department of Housing. If your state does not have a Department of Housing, search with a department that carries the same mandate. Often, government websites contain information that is pertinent of those who rent homes. They also often directly link to applicable laws, helping you to be better informed about how the law applies to you.


• Call an attorney who deals with tenant law. If you do not know how to find one, you can search the Internet or use your local Yellow Pages. Call an attorney and ask for a consultation. Most attorneys will consult with you for free or for a very low cost. Give the attorney the details of your specific situation and see what options they can provide you.


• Search the Internet for help. You will find several good websites such as FindLaw that can help answer your rental questions. You can post your question on a FindLaw message board and a competent attorney can answer your question for free.


• Call a free legal helpline. Many times, local charities will set up certain days of the year where lawyers  donate their time to answer questions for those who cannot afford an attorney. Look on the internet or in the newspaper to find such helplines.