Issues With Your Landlord? Find the Best Lawyers in Your Area!

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Working with a tenant lawyer can help stop eviction. While laws vary from state to state, every state has laws which protect renters from unlawful eviction. For example, if the eviction notice you received does not give you the legally required amount of time to respond, your landlord can’t evict you. A lawyer can help you understand and exercise all of your renter rights.

Did you know many common lease terms, including the amount of rent, can be negotiated? 

For example, you can agree to maintain part of the property in exchange for a reduction in rent. If a landlord refuses to rent to you based on sex, religion, race, etc., they can be fined up to $19,787 under the Fair Housing Act, and the act requires them to provide certain accommodations to access and use the property if you’re disabled.

State and local laws often limit the security deposit a landlord can charge, and other key terms of a lease.

A lawyer familiar with the laws in your state can help find unlawful terms in your lease. Understanding what your landlord can and cannot do under the law is key to exercising your rights and protecting yourself.

Seek legal advice to manage common renter challenges. Get your free quote today.

Preserve your rights while renting

Whether it’s an issue related to signing your lease, living in a rental or terminating a lease agreement, an experienced lawyer can provide invaluable legal protection. Here are just a few of the common issues that our experienced provider lawyers handle:

Before you sign:

• Is the lease agreement fair?
• Do you understand the terms and conditions?
• Is the landlord trying to take advantage of you?
• As a LegalShield member, your lawyer can review a lease and give you the advice you need to sign with confidence.

While living in a rental:

• Has your landlord violated the lease?
• Did your landlord fail to make necessary repairs?
• Are you having a dispute over subletting?
• Your lawyer can contact your landlord to resolve disputes on your behalf.

Terminating a lease agreement:

• Are you having an issue renewing your lease?
• Do you need to terminate your lease early?
• Is your landlord refusing to return your entire security deposit?
• Your lawyer can work to resolve end of lease issues that could arise with your landlord.

Renters have rights under federal and state law. Our experienced provider lawyers are here to advise you on how and when to exercise your rights.

A vision for justice

Laws are intended to protect and empower us—but for many, justice is out of reach. Most small businesses and hard-working, everyday people don't have access to affordable legal services to help them put their affairs in writing or enforce their rights with reliable counsel.

At Rocket Lawyer, we want to make the digital tools of justice available to more people than ever before. I'm proud to say that since our founding in 2008, nearly 30 million people have created Rocket Lawyer accounts. That equates to over 1 in 9 American adults who can make and sign legal documents, get affordable attorney advice, and incorporate their businesses with confidence. That's legal made simple.

Tenant FAQs

What does my landlord have to repair? - Your Lease Agreement will typically outline what repairs your landlord is responsible for. If nothing is specified, you may be able to assume that the landlord is responsible for wear-and-tear or maintenance repairs, like fixing a roof or the septic system. That said, any damage caused by you may also be up to you to repair. If your landlord is refusing to repair an issue that you believe is their responsibility, you should talk to a lawyer.

How much notice do I have to give before moving out? - If you are not currently in an active Lease Agreement, you can usually move out after giving 30 days' notice. If your lease is still active, check the terms of your rental agreement to see the notice requirements. You may be required to pay the rest of your lease obligation even if you move out. A Notice of Intent to Move can help you notify your landlord. If you are planning to break your lease early, you might also consider getting your landlord's approval to sublet rather than paying the remaining rent.

How can I get my security deposit refunded? - If there is no apparent damage to the property, getting a security deposit refund may not be a challenge. However, if the rental unit is not returned in the condition that your landlord is expecting (minus general wear and tear), you may have a bit more difficulty. Depending on your lease details and on state law, your landlord could have anywhere between 14 and 60 days to return your deposit or send you a letter outlining the cost of damages. While your landlord is typically entitled to keep some or all of the deposit to offset unpaid rent or to make repairs, they are not allowed to keep it for general wear and tear damage to the property, such as faded paint or slightly worn carpet. If you feel that your landlord is withholding your refund unjustly, talk to a lawyer.

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Browse Landlord Tenant Forms by State

All types of landlord-tenant forms for Commercial or Residential use, including property rental agreements, lease applications, lease termination forms, and more.  Download in Word format.  Professionally drafted forms for your State. Get the same forms that lawyers use!

Having the proper lease form is an important tool to minimize potential problems and possible litigation in housing court. Whether you need a residential landlord and tenant lease agreement or commercial real estate lease, it must not only comply with the landlord tenant laws of your state, but be properly drafted to deal with all the potential issues involved in a comprehensive manner. Some of the most common terms included in our landlord - tenant forms cover obligations toward any required security deposit, lease renewal at the expiration of lease, and the required notices and what will happen if tenant are behind in rent. State laws typically require that a 30 day notice or shorter period be provided to the tenant before eviction for non-payment of rent.

What is required to evict a tenant? In a residential landlord-tenant lease, when a tenant is behind on rent or has violated the lease agreement, it is necessary to send a notice to quit (eviction notice) before eviction proceedings can be brought. When a tenant violates the lease, before you can file a complaint in housing court to evict a tenant, local landlord-tenant law requires that a notice to vacate be given to the tenant, according to the local landlord and tenant act. The written notification must be given a certain number of days ahead, as specified by local law, before a forcible entry and unlawful detainer complaint may be filed to take back possession of the property and evict the tenant.

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