The federal Fair Housing Act states that tenant rights begin when you look for a place to live. They continue until your security deposit has been returned. It is illegal for landlords or agents to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, family status, age, and disability. If you feel that any of these rights were violated, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

You should also make sure you review your rental agreement regularly to ensure that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities. No matter if you are renting an apartment or house, you have the right to a clean and safe place. Each window, door, and lock should be working properly. The landlord must maintain the building and make any repairs within a reasonable time. Legal counsel can be consulted if you have any questions.

If Repairs Aren’t Made

You may be able to withhold rent payments, terminate your lease, or sue your landlord, depending on the laws in your state and your individual circumstances. If repairs are not made, it could affect your safety and health.

Breaking A Lease

Technically, it is legal to end your lease at any point. It's possible that you will have to pay a financial penalty as per your rental lease. The minimum rent is usually one month. Additional costs are possible, and you will be responsible for the remainder of your term rent. Remember that just because you know how to end a lease, it doesn't necessarily mean that you should. Your next landlord will probably need a reference from the one that you have.

There are different laws in each state and region that govern when a lease can be terminated without financial consequences. Your landlord may not fix any issues that make your rental unlivable such as water leaks or broken HVAC units, infestations, and so on. You can also terminate your lease in certain states if your landlord, or another tenant, is arrested for assaulting or threatening you with a weapon.

Providing Written Notice

Send a written notice to the landlord if you are going to end your lease. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.

Although You Can Keep Your Letter Short, It Must Contain The Following:

• Reason(s) why the lease is being terminated

• If the decision is made effective

• Contact information for the future and current.

You can usually give a notice of 30 days to your landlord if you are in a month-to-30 rental agreement. You should check the agreement to see all details.

Handling Eviction Notices

Although eviction can be unpleasant, you still have rights to your property even after your landlord gives you notice to vacate. Your lease terms will dictate the grounds for eviction. The landlord must usually notify you and give you an opportunity to resolve the issue. You must send the notice by mail or hand. It should include the names of all tenants, the effective date and the reason for termination.

You cannot be evicted by your landlord for any reason, including discriminatory reasons. The laws governing tenant eviction are extremely specific and vary from one state to the next.