Has your landlord ever took weeks to complete an essential plumbing repair in your apartment, or have they stopped by unannounced? If you have ever had a run-in with an irresponsible or nasty landlord, you know just how unpleasant these experiences can be. It’s important to realize that there are real estate laws to protect tenants from this behavior. Find out what every renter should know to better protect yourself and your property.

5 Rights Every Tenant Has

1. A Right To Fair & Equal Treatment

Federal laws prevent discrimination on the basis of personal characteristics such as marital status, age, sex, nationality, race, religion, or disability. This means that landlords must use the same rules to assess potential tenants and can’t refuse to rent to you because you have kids, for instance, and they don’t want children in the building. They also can’t end your lease for any discriminatory reasons.

2. A Right to a Safe Home

Any apartment or house you rent must be considered “habitable,” meaning it is free of unsafe conditions like crumbling ceilings or exposed wires. Your landlord has a legal duty to address issues that would make your real estate unsafe — like calling an exterminator if mice or cockroaches are taking over.

3. A Right to a Lead-Free Space

Lead poisoning can lead to an array of mental and physical developmental issues in children, and long-term exposure can even be fatal. Federal law prohibits the use of lead-based paint in residential housing.

4. A Right to Privacy

Your landlord can’t stop by and enter the space you are renting without just cause. If there is an emergency, like a flooded bathroom, they may come in to conduct repairs. Otherwise, every tenant has a right to privacy in the real estate property they are renting.

5. A Right To Fair Security Deposits

There are limits to how high a security deposit can be. This varies on a state-by-state basis. If you feel that your potential landlord is requesting an exorbitant sum, check your local laws to be sure.

The details of all of these real estate regulations vary from one state to the next, so if you are facing a potential legal battle with your landlord, it’s essential to seek out a local attorney’s advice. For help in Griswold, CT, trust Stuart R. Norman Jr. This attorney brings more than 40 years of experience to the table and will aggressively fight for your rights. Find out more about his legal services online. To request a personal meeting, call (860) 376-0069.