Tenant Rights FAQ

Common renter questions, answered

Clear, expert answers to the questions tenants ask most. Know your rights before you sign — or before it's too late.

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Security Deposits

15 questions

Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?No — a landlord can only deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear. The everyday scuffing, fading and light wear that comes from living in a home is the landlord's cost, not yours.
What happens if I don't get my security deposit back?You can send a written demand letter once your state's return deadline passes, and then file in small claims court if that does not work — some states also penalize a landlord who withholds a deposit in bad faith.
Can my landlord charge me for painting after I move out?Usually not — normal fading, light scuffs and small nail holes are wear and tear, not damage. A landlord can charge for painting only when the walls have real damage or were painted without permission.
What is normal wear and tear vs damage?Normal wear and tear is the gradual deterioration from everyday living — scuffs, faded paint, light carpet wear. Damage comes from neglect, misuse or an accident, and is the only thing a landlord can deduct for.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for cleaning?Only for cleaning that restores the unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in when you moved in — not for routine cleaning a landlord would do between any tenant regardless of condition.

All 15 questions in Security Deposits

Lease Clauses & Terms

10 questions

All 10 questions in Lease Clauses & Terms

Fees & Charges

9 questions

All 9 questions in Fees & Charges

Repairs & Maintenance

8 questions

All 8 questions in Repairs & Maintenance

Health & Safety

10 questions

All 10 questions in Health & Safety

Landlord Entry

13 questions

All 13 questions in Landlord Entry

Rent Increases

8 questions

All 8 questions in Rent Increases

Lease Breaking

13 questions

All 13 questions in Lease Breaking

Moving In & Out

8 questions

All 8 questions in Moving In & Out

Eviction

18 questions

All 18 questions in Eviction

Roommates, Guests & Subletting

7 questions

All 7 questions in Roommates, Guests & Subletting

Pets & Assistance Animals

6 questions

All 6 questions in Pets & Assistance Animals

Applying for a Rental

8 questions

All 8 questions in Applying for a Rental

Fair Housing & Discrimination

5 questions

General Rights

7 questions

All 7 questions in General Rights

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