Your Rights As A Renter: What Your Landlord Can And Can’t Legally Do

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 125
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Renting is a little like dating—you sign a commitment, hope for the best, and pray the other party doesn’t turn into a nightmare. And while a good landlord can make your rental experience feel like living in a cozy Pinterest board, a bad one can turn it into a saga worthy of a reality TV show. But here’s the good news: you actually have more rights as a renter than you may realize, and no, your landlord can’t just “make up the rules” as they go.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Can my landlord even do that?”, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what landlords can and can’t do—minus the boring legal lecture—and figure out when it’s time to grab your phone and Google “landlord tenant attorney near me.”

1. They Can’t Just Barge In Whenever They Want
Surprise visits are great when it’s a friend with takeout—not when it’s your landlord with a spare key. In most states, landlords must give you reasonable notice (usually 24–48 hours) before entering your apartment, unless it’s an emergency like a burst pipe.

If they’re popping by unannounced ...
... to “check on things,” that’s not okay—it’s harassment. So, if your landlord keeps treating your place like their personal clubhouse, it might be time to have a firm conversation (or bring in legal backup).

2. They Can’t Refuse to Fix Essential Things
Here’s a basic truth: if you’re paying rent, you deserve a safe, habitable space. That means working heat in the winter, running water, secure locks, and no infestations that could make your apartment double as a horror movie set.

This is called the “implied warranty of habitability,” and it’s not optional. If your landlord is ghosting you about repairs, you can escalate—document everything, and if necessary, call in code enforcement or even a lawyer. A quick search for “landlord tenant attorney near me” can point you toward someone who knows how to turn up the heat (literally and legally).

3. They Can Raise Your Rent—But Not However They Want
Look, we all dread the rent hike conversation. But depending on your state, there may be rules on how much your landlord can increase rent and how much notice they have to give you.

If you’re in a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized unit, the increase is often capped. If not, they still usually need to provide written notice (typically 30–60 days). And no, they can’t raise your rent as revenge for you asking for repairs—that’s called retaliation, and it’s illegal.

4. They Can’t Evict You Without Following the Law
Eviction isn’t a casual “pack your bags” situation—it’s a legal process. Landlords must give proper notice, and in many cases, they need a court order to actually remove you.

If you’re handed a random note scribbled on a napkin that says “You’re out in 3 days,” take a breath. That’s not how this works. This is also when Googling “landlord tenant attorney near me” can be your first step in protecting your rights and staying in your home while things get sorted.

5. They Can’t Discriminate Against You
Fair housing laws protect you from being denied housing or treated differently based on race, religion, gender, family status, disability, or other protected categories. Translation: if your landlord says, “I don’t rent to people with kids” or “I don’t want someone of your religion living here,” that’s discrimination—and it’s very illegal.

This also applies if you already live there. If your landlord suddenly changes how they treat you because of any of these factors, you may have a strong case to report them.

6. They Can’t Take Your Stuff
If you’re behind on rent, your landlord can’t just waltz in and keep your TV as “collateral.” That’s called “self-help eviction,” and it’s a major no-no.

The only way they can claim anything you own is through proper legal channels, and even then, it’s complicated. So, if you come home to find your stuff missing because your landlord decided to play sheriff, you need to act fast.

7. They Can’t Retaliate Against You
Did you report a code violation? Ask for repairs? Join a tenants’ association? If so, your landlord can’t legally retaliate by raising your rent, cutting services, or threatening eviction.

Retaliation laws are there to protect tenants who advocate for themselves. If your landlord pulls a stunt like this, you’ll want documentation—and possibly a consultation with someone who knows how to handle these cases. (Yep, this is another search for “landlord tenant attorney near me” moment.)

8. They Can’t Ignore Your Security Deposit
You know that money you handed over when you moved in? It doesn’t magically disappear into your landlord’s vacation fund. They’re required to return your security deposit (minus any legitimate damages) within a certain timeframe after you move out, usually 14–60 days, depending on your state.

And they can’t just keep it because they “feel like it.” They must provide an itemized list of deductions. If that list looks more like fiction than reality, dispute it.

9. They Can’t Make You Waive Your Rights
Some landlords try to sneak shady clauses into leases that say you’re waiving your right to repairs or accepting entry without notice. Here’s the thing: many of these clauses aren’t enforceable.

You can’t sign away your basic tenant rights, no matter what that piece of paper says. If you see something suspicious in your lease, bring it up before signing—or better yet, run it by someone who deals with these contracts for a living.

When to Call in the Professionals
Here’s the deal: not every landlord problem requires an attorney. Sometimes a polite but firm email gets the job done. But if you’re facing harassment, an eviction, ignored repairs, or anything that feels legally fishy, you don’t have to handle it alone.

This is where searching for a landlord attorney comes in clutch. These professionals can explain your options, help you communicate effectively, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

The Bottom Line
Renting shouldn’t feel like a survival game. You have rights, and your landlord has obligations—it’s that simple. Knowing where the line is drawn (and when to call in reinforcements) can turn a nightmare rental into a manageable situation.

So next time you’re wondering, “Can my landlord even do that?”—you’ll know the answer. And if you’re unsure? Well, that’s what the search bar is for.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)