Landlord-Tenant

Written & Verbal Agreements
Written Agreements
Verbal Agreements

Written Agreements
A residential lease is often a written agreement that defines the rights and duties of both the landlord and the tenant. Keep in mind that a lease is a legal contract in which both parties promise to do things for one another. This contract obligates the landlord just as much as the tenant and the landlord can be taken to court if he does not abide by the lease terms. So read your lease carefully. And always ask yourself: "Which rules and regulations bind me and which rules and regulations bind my landlord.

Where To Get Legal Or Government Assistance (Consumer-SOS)

http://www.mrlandlord.com/html/frametop_frametop.html (In 48 States, Not HI or MI)
This site has select laws from each state on security deposits, evictions and landlord laws, but it's not consumer friendly. Their "landlord Laws sections may have stuff on notice to end tenancy and other stuff tenants should know.

Verbal Agreements
Whenever there's no written lease, you have a verbal rental agreement. In most cases, verbal and written agreements are equally valid and equally binding. This means you or the landlord can sue if the other party violates the agreement.

But there are major differences too. Many states have special laws that apply exclusively to verbal contracts. Everyone should know for example, how much time you or the landlord must give before moving out.

Roommates

Roommates & You
Very well organized discussion of issues in selecting and living with a roommate from paying the rent, to quiet hours, to where you'll leave phone messages.

The Talk All Roommates Must Have
Learn the essential things you need to ask someone before you decide to room with them. Very Good!!!!

Reverse Lookups-Finding The Name & Address When You Only Have The Phone # (Consumer-SOS)
Strange # on your phone bill? Is it yours or your roommate's doing? Find out who it belongs to.

Choosing A Roommate
Placing ads, roommate services, living with friends, and knowing what you want are all covered in this article.

Are Roommate Matching Services Safe?
Article discussing what to look for in a roommate matching service and how to protect your privacy.

Making Rental Payments With Roommates
Tips to protect your tenant/credit record when sharing lease responsibilities with roommates.

Form Letters And Practical Advice On Dealing With Unruly Roommates

Index Of Roommate Related Articles

Where To Go For More Help (Consumer-SOS)

Tenant's Right to Break Their Lease (State By State)
Put your state in the Google search box. Some states allow you to break your lease if you're a victim of domestic violence, you're moving into senior housing, have major medical issues or on active military duty, etc.

Security Deposits (Consumer-SOS)

Uninhabitable Premises/Constructive Eviction (Consumer-SOS)

Landlord's Right To Property Left Behind (Consumer-SOS)

Landlord-Tenant Statutes (In 48 States, Not HI or MI)
This site has select laws from each state on security deposits, evictions and landlord laws, but it's not consumer friendly. Their "landlord Laws sections may have stuff on notice to end tenancy and other stuff tenants should know.

Where To Get Legal Or Government Assistance (Consumer-SOS)
Government, nonprofit and commercial groups to help you when you're in trouble.

Military Clause: Terminate Your Lease Due to Deployment or PCS
Service members are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act if they need to break their lease on account of a deployment or permanent change of station.

Landlord's Right Of Entry

When The Landlord Can Enter Your Apartment (General)

Notice Requirements To Enter Property (Chart For All 50 States)

Where To Go For More Help (Consumer-SOS)
Government, nonprofit and commercial groups to help you when you're in trouble.

Subleasing

Where To Get Legal Or Government Assistance (Consumer-SOS)
Government, nonprofit and commercial groups to help you when you're in trouble.

Nuisances, Noise & Neighbors

Contacting Your Neighbors (Consumer-SOS)
Use Internet phone books and reverse lookups to find out who your neighbors are and contact them. Good to organize a neighborhood watch, or simply have them turn down the noise.

Uninhabitable Premises/Constructive Eviction (Consumer-SOS)

Dog Bite Law In All 50 States
Click the first letter of your state.

Where To Get Legal Or Government Assistance (Consumer-SOS)
Government, nonprofit and commercial groups to help you when you're in trouble.

Noise & Neighbors (General, mostly for homes)

Find Your City's Municipal Codes
Learn how your city code treats, garbage, nuisance and safety hazards. If you can't find your city, follow their links to other code sites that can help you.