Renters' Rights: Don't get screwed by your landlord
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has tenant law by state for all 50 states. Laws can vary significantly from state to state and even city to city. Make sure to check with your local housing office before taking any drastic action.
We can summarize some of the more useful laws and tips here.
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Security Deposit
The most important issue to most college students is the return of their security deposit. This is typically equal to one month's rent, and is a significant amount of money to many students. The landlord is supposed to pay for general wear and tear, and the renters are only liable for instances of unreasonable carelessness or deliberate misuse. Landlords are required to return your full deposit or to provide an itemized accounting of the deductions from your security deposit within 30 days after you move out.
One crucial thing needed to avoid getting screwed by your landlord is documentation. In order to prove that you did not cause damage, you need to have a detailed reference of all pre-existing damage upon your occupation. Perform a detailed inspection of the property with another roommate or friend. Make sure to check not only visible damage, but the functionality of appliances, faucets, toilets, etc. Document all of your findings in a detailed list. Make sure to highlight not just the location or item damaged, but also the nature of the destruction. For example, do not say "wall damaged," but say "burn marks on second floor wall." Have this write-up signed by your landlord acknowledging the problems at move-in time.
Another option is to take photographs or video of the apartment or house before moving in your belongings. If you choose this route, then immediately provide a copy of the photos or video to your landlord so that he cannot dispute the date that they were taken.
If there is any dispute at move-out time, you can refer back to this documentation.
Getting Your Landlord to Make Repairs
Landlords are required to fix major problems that make the dwelling unsafe or uninhabitable. These include broken staircases, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and pest infestations (provided that the problems is not caused by your own negligence). However, the landlord is not required by law to fix minor repairs. If the landlord rejects an initial verbal request to fix a problem (worn carpet, sticky doors, drafty windows), then file a written work request. If possible, highlight the financial reasons that your landlord should immediately fix the problem- the problem could become significantly worse and more costly (a leak leading to water damage), the problem poses a safety risk (loose bathroom tiles), or the problem poses a security risk (broken window latches). Some landlords will perform repairs out of compassion for their tenants, but others will not.
Also, if you are worried about your landlord overcharging for repairs, in most states you can perform the repairs yourself and deduct the cost from your month's rent.
Privacy
A landlord can enter an apartment immediately in case of an emergency. However, in a non-emergency situation, such as to make standard repairs, discuss a problem, etc., the landlord typically has to give prior notice. In many states a 24 hour advanced notice is required. There are some exceptions, so check your local laws before confronting your landlord. In most non-emergency situations, though, you can prohibit your landlord from entering immediately if they have not given prior notice. Landlord entrance protocol is a good thing to work out when signing the lease or moving in.
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