what type of rights do I have as a tenant renting an apartment. is there a renters handbook that list's laws.

Question

it seems that every since my children and i took residency in our apartment there have been new rules daily. for instance, I was told that my children can't play in the yard or sit on the steps in the front of the apartment. these rules also apply to myself and any guest that I may have. I was sitting on the front step last night and I received three notices this morning on my steps. one regarding the use of the steps,yard ect. all surrounding areas involving the apartment unit(which is a duplex) the second notice was for the rent and when it's due. this was information that IS included in my residential lease, so, I fail to see the need to reinerate that. the other notice was for the locking of the downstairs door. I totally couldn't agree more with that concern, however, I was sitting right outside the door and the landlord didn't know that. it seems that all of this harrasment started when I complained about things that needed to be fixed. Can I sue them for harrasment so i can move

the use of the grass and steps are not written in the lease at all. my question is if it's not in the lease how can they start adding all these rules after I signed the lease. is this legal?

yes i did read the lease before signing it. and if that would have been a stipulation in the lease i would not have taken the apartment

i have only been living here for two months. i pay my rent ontime and i am hardly ever home. but like i said when i moved in the very first week i had a problem with the shower and then the stove and then the toilet. the toilet was un-inhabitable for two weeks. i kept copies of every letter i sent and their responses. i have not once violated my lease

Answer 1

One of your local housing authorities (HUD, SRS, what have you) should have a list of general renter's rights, or be able to point you in the right direction, as your absolute rights (regardless of terms of the lease agreement) vary by state. Other than those, everything should be in the lease. You *did* read the entire thing before you signed it, right?

Answer 2

I did not catch if all these rules are in your lease or whether just the rent information was.

Sounds like you need a complete list of all the rules. I would request that and perhaps talk with other tenants to see if this treatment is just for you or everyone. You can also get 30 minutes of free advice from any attorney. I would also ask the landlord why you get these notes. I would also ask (not at the same time of course) whether this has something to do with your maintenance concerns. Suing them will be costly and may make things worse. If you do think it's harassment then by all means do what you need to. Communication is important here first though.

I agree what the others said you should do, but get a list of the rules and regulations to make sure they are not planning on evicting you and are making a list of your non-compliance.

Answer 3

It all depends where you live. You might want to check with the local housing authority or a staff member of the local state represenative. They are very helpful. But in California I know that there is a law requiring the landlord to fix anything that is broken or else they are declared slumplord and harsh penetly will come next. I don't think I answer your question.

Answer 4

Renters rights are determined by your state or province. If you are breaking the rules (ie sitting on the steps when your lease says you shouldn't) then your landlord has every right to remind you of the terms of your lease. You agreed to those terms when you signed the lease.

Answer 5

If you have a local Community Action office, go there, they should have a booklet on tenants rights. They are free for the asking.