A landlord/tenant lawyer with experience can assist both the tenant and landlord in resolving issues. Landlord tenant lawyers are able to help tenants when they have been discriminated against or when their landlord has evicted them in an illegal manner. They can also assist tenants when there has been injury due to the property and the landlord has violated the lease.
A landlord tenant lawyer is able to help a landowner when a tenant breaches the contract, fails to pay rent, uses the property illegally, or has been trespassing on the property after the lease has expired.
Additional Resources
- Landlord Tenant Laws
- Renters have the right to a number of remedies
- Landlords have a number of options to protect themselves
What should I include in my lease?
Lease agreements or rental agreements are contracts between the landlords and tenants that define the terms of their relationship. The following terms should be included in a lease:
- Rent: The amount of rent per month paid, the month in which the rent was due, and any late penalties if it is not paid by a specific date. Rent increases are usually allowed in non-rent-controlled jurisdictions.
- Duration is the length of time that a rental agreement will remain in effect. Rental agreements are usually month-to-month. Most leases last six months or longer.
- Occupancy: In the rental agreement, the maximum number of renters (occupants) is allowed in the unit.
- Terms of Use: The contract should specify the restrictions on usage, including whether pets (dogs and cats) are allowed in the building. The building is not allowed to have pets. Illegal activities and excessive noise are also restrictions. Rent or lease agreements may prohibit certain accessories or furnishings, such as a BBQ or waterbed.
- Utility: The contract should specify which utilities are the tenant’s responsibility. Most apartment rentals include garbage and water collection. However, electricity, gas, and telephone are usually the tenants’ responsibility.
- The amount of the security deposit should be specified in the rental or lease agreement. The contract should state the amount of the security deposit and how it will be used by the landlord. The document should also be very clear about how the deposit will be refunded. In most jurisdictions, landlords are prohibited from deducting normal wear and tear on rental units.
- Landlord entry: The rental or lease agreement should specify the steps for landlords to gain access to the unit. Landlords can be
The Right of Privacy
It is usually necessary to notify the tenant prior to entering the unit. The right of privacy for tenants varies from state to state.
- Move-in inspection: The landlord and the tenant should both inspect the rental unit when the tenants first take possession. They should also note (or photograph any existing conditions) and document them.
- A move-out inspect evaluates the condition of a rental unit after tenants have left a property. These details are compared with the information given at the time of move-in and can be used to reduce or refund the security deposit.
- Disabled tenants: Renters with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations to accommodate their disability. However, landlords do not need to make accommodations that substantially hinder their ability to conduct business.
How can I find a real estate lawyer online?
Varnell & Warwick offers a better way to locate an attorney than the usual lawyer directories found on most legal websites. Varnell & Warwick provides a service that matches lawyers with clients based on their individual needs, rather than simply listing telephone numbers.
Post your case details online on our website. You will be matched for free with an attorney in your locality and receive a response within 1-3 working days. You can also review the profiles of lawyers and their ratings. In some cases, the winning party can get their legal expenses reimbursed. If your lawyer thinks that your case will win, you may not need to pay anything.
Should I consult a real estate attorney?
A real estate lawyer will help you determine the laws that apply to your landlord-tenant relationships and achieve a positive result. Real estate lawyer can also review the terms and conditions of a contract to help you understand what your obligations are. A real estate attorney can also help if the property has defects or you need to deal with an eviction.Varnell & Warwick Library also has an article entitled: Tenants’ rights: when to hire a lawyer For more information about tenant’s rights.
