TENANTS/LANDLORDS

General obligations of landlords and tenants

Landlord-tenant disputes are a common occurrence in the renting process, and many could be avoided if both parties were aware of their rights and responsibilities.

General obligations of tenants

Tenants should:

  • Pay rent on time
  • Use reasonable care and not damage property
  • Properly dispose of garbage
  • Refrain from taking on additional occupants or subleasing without the landlord's written permission

Landlords should:

    • Make property habitable before tenants move in
    • Make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear
    • Refrain from turning off a tenant's water, electricity or gas
    • Provide written notice to tenants when ownership of the property is transferred to a new landlord
    • Not unlawfully discriminate

Eviction

A landlord may not evict a tenant without a court order. The landlord may begin eviction proceedings if a tenant:

      • Damages property.
      • Fails to pay rent.
      • Violates terms of the lease.
      • Injures the lessor or another tenant.
      • Allows drug-related criminal activity on the premises.
      • Fails to vacate at the end of the lease term.
      • Gambles illegally on the property.

The tenant will receive a notice that an eviction lawsuit has been filed and will have the opportunity to be heard in court before any eviction.