As a renter, countless laws affect you and your landlord. Some are dictated by the state you live in, while others are federal laws that apply to renters in all states. Mastering these federal laws helps you discern your rights (and what your landlord can and cannot legally do). This article reviews the top federal rental laws every tenant should know.
- Fair Housing Act: Among federal laws that affect all renters, the Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968, is pivotal. It bars your landlord from discriminating against you because of your race, skin color, sex, religion, national origin, age, familial status, or mental or physical disability. Discrimination may be evident or discreet. If you suspect your rental application was denied for these reasons, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Landlords must also provide reasonable accommodations for a disability.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: This federal law regulates how a landlord can use your credit history to decide whether to rent to you. Your landlord must have your permission to run a credit check and must notify you if your application was denied due to your credit report. Secure a free copy of your credit report before you apply for a rental home to know what your potential landlord will see when they run your credit and address anything that might raise some red flags.
- Americans with Disabilities Act: This law prohibits a landlord from refusing to rent to you because you have a service animal or charging “pet fees” or increasing the rent for it. You may need to prove it is licensed and registered per state and local laws to confirm it’s a legitimate service animal. A service animal is a reasonable accommodation that landlords cannot deny.
- Landlord-Tenant Laws (varies by state): Landlord-tenant laws in the U.S. shield renters and establish expectations for both parties. These laws ensure your right to a safe, livable home, privacy, and fair treatment. Your landlord must give notice before entering your rental (except in emergencies) and follow rules for handling security deposits. Since these vary by state, review your lease and local laws to understand your rights.
- Lead Disclosures: Federal law mandates that anyone renting a property built before 1978 disclose the potential for lead exposure. Homes built before 1978 often have lead-based paint, which can flake or chip off, posing health hazards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires landlords to disclose whether the property has lead paint and provide evidence of a certified lead hazard inspection if requested.
Knowing the federal and state laws that apply to you and your landlord as a renter is vital for protecting yourself from unjust property owners. Contact Real Property Management Pioneer for support. Our team in Plano complies with federal, state, and local laws, ensuring fairness. Explore our listings online or call 940-435-2526!
Originally Published on April 29, 2022
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
