As a tenant, you have important rights that protect your safety, privacy, and access to essential services—and you also have responsibilities to help maintain a safe and respectful living environment. This guide outlines what landlords are required to provide and what’s expected from you as a tenant, so you can better navigate your rental experience.
Landlord Responsibilities:
- Landlords must provide clean and sanitary living conditions in both common areas and individual apartments.
- In buildings with two or more units, landlords must respect shared public areas.
- Adequate heat must be provided from October 1 to May 31.
- Landlords have a duty to maintain the property, including general repairs and utilities.
- All services to the unit (e.g., water, electricity, gas) must be properly connected.
- Tenants have a right to privacy, which includes receiving at least 24 hours’ notice before a landlord enters the unit—except in emergencies.
- Landlords must ensure basic security, including functioning door locks and proper lighting.
- Reasonable apartment sharing must be allowed for a limited time.
- Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue financial burden.
- Landlords may not discriminate against tenants.
- Lockouts or evictions can only occur with a court order and judgment.
- If an eviction occurs, landlords must store the tenant’s belongings in a dry and secure location for a reasonable period (typically 30 days).
- If a tenant moves out before the lease ends, the landlord must make a good-faith effort to re-rent the unit and provide receipts before seeking reimbursement from the tenant for any losses.
- When a building is sold, the landlord must notify tenants of the new owner’s name and address.
- The landlord must also transfer any security deposit and prepaid rent to the new owner.
Tenant Responsibilities:
- Tenants must maintain a clean and safe living environment.
- Tenants must promptly report needed repairs or any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Rent should be paid within the first five days of each month. Note: Late fees may not exceed $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.
- Tenants must allow the landlord access to the unit with at least 24 hours’ notice, except in emergencies requiring immediate entry.
- Apartments should not be overcrowded (generally defined as more than 1.5 people per room).
- Tenants must follow the lease terms, unless contradicted by state law.
- Tenants may be required to cover reasonable costs for accommodations related to a disability.
- If tenants change the locks, they must provide the landlord with a copy of the new keys.
- Pet deposits may be required, depending on the lease agreement.