Know Your Tenant Rights!

Make sure you know your tenant rights!After you make the decision to rent an apartment, there are some things you should be aware of in regards to your landlord! Sometimes new renters think that they are at the complete mercy of their landlord’s whims, and a landlord may try to take advantage of that. This is why you need to know that there are renting laws that can benefit and protect you as a tenant. Before you sign a lease, you need to know the basic tenant rights you are entitled to.

1.  Renting laws restrict the amount of security deposit money a landlord can as for when you move in to your place. These laws vary state by state, but you can be sure that if you rent a Boston apartment you can only be asked to pay one month’s rent at the most.  To get around this law, sometimes landlords will ask you to pay a pet deposit or a cleaning fee, but these are governed by laws of their own.The security deposit amount you are asked to pay has a limit.

2.  Even if you really annoy them, your landlord can’t evict you in retaliation. This is especially important when it comes to things like asking for repairs, updates, or complaining about the apartment.  If you complain constantly about a repair that hasn’t been completed, your landlord’s first instinct might just be to kick you out and save the trouble, but thankfully they can’t do anything like that.  If the landlord tries to take you to court, “landlord retaliation” is a valid defense.

3.  Your landlord has to keep your place livable! This may seem like a no-brainer, but just in case you don’t get along with your landlord it is important to know that laws require your apartment to be in livable condition.  This means that if the pipes burst, they are required to fix it well and in a timely manner or else they get fined or worse.  Most landlords care about their tenants and as such are willing to keep the apartments in good shape, but for the few that slip through – know that renting laws will keep your place in good shape.

4.  Partial rent payment can stop an eviction. Because of renting laws, you can stop an eviction by paying a portion of your rent.  So if you receive an eviction notice and they accept a portion of the rent due, they cannot successfully continue the eviction.

Phoenix Realty agents can help you find an apartment under the terms that best suit your needs.  Contact us for help, or browse our online listings of Boston apartments and other Boston rental properties.

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 Apartment Rentals, Boston, Boston Apartments, Boston Apartments for Rent, Boston Homes, Boston Property Management, Boston Real Estate, Boston Rental Property, Renter's Guide

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