What are Your Must Know Renters Legal Rights?
Renters Bill of Rights PART 2

• If you are in a fixed term tenancy, your landlord cannot raise the rent until the tenancy expires or the written rental agreement has a rent review clause that allows him to do so.

• When there is no specific time period for your type of lease such as a periodic tenancy or tenancy at will, you have the rentersl legal right to be informed of a rent increase 30 to 60 days in advance depending on the your local laws.

• If there is a rent ceiling imposed in your area, you do not have to pay a rent amount that is over this ceiling.

• If your landlord charges you extra fees for paying your rent late, the late rent fee has to be reasonable. You have the renters legal right not to overpay on this late rent fees depending on the limits stated by your area's laws.

• Even if you owe your landlord owe or break the terms of your rental agreement, he is not allowed the right of self help. This means that he cannot change the lock of the rental property or cut off the water and electricity supply.

• According to the renters bill of rights, your landlord needs to inform you before he can set foot on the rental property. Unless there is an emergency such as a fire outbreak, your landlord has to inform you at least 12 to 24 hours before he arrives.

• Valid reasons for your landlord to enter the property include rent collection, property inspection, court orders and to show the property to new tenants or buyers.

• Your tenants are allowed to have people coming for visits and overnight stays. However they will need your permission if the visitors are staying for longer periods.

• It is your basic renters legal right to live in a rental property in habitable condition. This means that the rental home has to meet the local health and safety standards set by the federal fair housing laws.

• According to the renters bill of rights for most areas, a tenant has the right to stay in a rental property where the plumbing, electrical wiring and heating / cooling systems are in proper working order. The rental property should also be free from health hazards such as pest infestation, cracks in the flooring or lead based paint.

• Before you move in, it is certainly within your rights to inspect the rental property to make sure that it is habitable.

• You have the renters rights to request your landlord to repair any major property damages that is caused by everyday wear and tear. Once you inform your landlord of the damage, he has to make repairs within 7 to 14 days. If it is an emergency, repairs has to made within 24 to 48 hours.

• If you live in a multiplex building with common areas such as corridors and stairways, you are not responsible for the upkeep of these areas unless you damage it due to neglect or abuse.