Landlord and Tenant Law, also known as rental law, governs the rental of commercial and residential property. It is composed primarily of state statutory and common law which encompasses all aspects of legal transactions concerning rental properties.
These laws exist to ensure a fair and equitable set of rules for both landlords and tenants, balancing protection for tenants’ rights against the demands of landlords’ property interests. Such laws cover a range of issues including, but not limited to, lease agreements, rent fees, tenant privacy rights, property condition, property repairs, evictions, and discrimination. In the United States, each state has its own specific standards and procedures with regard to Landlord and Tenant law as there is no federal law governing residential leases.
However, the Fair Housing Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act are federal laws that apply to all states. For instance, a landlord cannot discriminate against a potential tenant due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. It is crucial for both landlords and tenants to familiarize themselves with these laws specific to their state to ensure their rights and obligations are respected and observed.
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