Legal Issues

When a landlord faces foreclosure, it can create a tricky situation for you as a renter. You might suddenly have a property manager, a landlord, a bank as well as other entities asking you for the rent payment. If you’re not sure who you should make the check out to, here’s what the law says.

It’s the Lender’s Property Now

Once the landlord is foreclosed on, the property is officially owned by the mortgage holder (usually a bank). The landlord might ask…

Before signing, it is imperative to negotiate the terms of a lease to address and convey your renter’s rights. Not only does a lease speak to your personal financial agreement, but also it addresses any current and future repairs that might arise throughout the duration of your lease.

The Basic Requirements for Renting Properties

A landlord is obligated to provide a livable environment with the basic necessities. The leased property must be structurally safe and sanitary. It must have functioning heat and…

Landlord-tenant laws for bedbug infestations vary from state to state, but in many cases, bedbug infestations can be an issue of landlord liability. Landlords are often, but not always, responsible for correcting bedbug problems in their apartments, especially if the space becomes uninhabitable. Not all states have experienced bedbug infestations, so laws in some states may not be comprehensive. If your state laws do not explicitly state who’s liable for bedbugs, check what other related rules affirm. Regardless of your…

Whether you will receive interest on your security deposit depends on state law and your apartment. If your state requires landlords to pay interest to tenants on paid security deposits and your apartment complex fits within the purview of the law, you will likely receive interest on your security deposit within a few weeks after moving out.

States that Require Interest Payments

Less than a third of states require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. These states are:

• Washington
• New Jersey
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Mexico
• New York
• Illinois
• North…