Whether you’re a new or tenured landlord, you may need a primer on landlord-tenant laws — and things you can and can’t do as a landlord.
Of course, you have the right to protect your property, collect rent, and enforce lease terms, but with those rights come legal boundaries.
Trust me when I say that staying compliant not only protects you from costly disputes but also helps foster positive tenant relationships.
Here’s a landlord-focused rundown of 10 things you absolutely can’t do this year.
1. Enter the Property Without Proper Notice
You can’t enter your rental unit whenever you please. Unless there’s an emergency, you’re required to give your tenants reasonable advance notice, typically at least 12 to 24 hours, before entering for repairs, inspections, or showings.
2. Evict Tenants Without Following Legal Procedures
No matter how frustrated you get, you can’t remove a tenant without going through the proper legal steps.
This means serving the correct written notice (such as a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent or a 7-day notice for lease violations) and obtaining a court order before proceeding with an eviction.
Self-help evictions, like changing the locks or removing a tenant’s belongings, are prohibited.
3. Raise Rent Without Required Notice
Thinking about increasing the rent? You must provide tenants with written notice, usually 30 to 60 days in advance, depending on your state and lease terms.
If your property is in a rent-controlled area, there are additional restrictions on how much you can raise the rent and how often.
4. Discriminate Against Tenants
Federal and state fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin.
You can’t refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass a tenant for any of these reasons. Make sure your screening and advertising practices are compliant.
5. Deny Service or Support Animals
“No pets” policies don’t apply to service animals or, in many cases, emotional support animals. If a tenant provides proper documentation, you’re required to make reasonable accommodations (even if your property has a strict no-pet rule).
6. Ignore Essential Repairs
You’re responsible for providing safe, habitable housing. If a tenant reports issues like broken heat, plumbing problems, or pest infestations, you must address them promptly.
Failing to make necessary repairs can result in tenants withholding rent or contacting local authorities.
7. Use Security Deposits for Normal Wear and Tear
Security deposits are meant to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, not routine aging of the property.
Why is this important?
You must return the deposit within the required timeframe after the tenant moves out, minus any legitimate deductions for damage or cleaning.
8. Change Locks or Shut Off Utilities to Force a Tenant Out
You cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or otherwise attempt to force a tenant out without a court order.
These “self-help” eviction tactics that I mentioned earlier are illegal and can expose you to lawsuits and penalties.
9. Retaliate Against Tenants for Exercising Their Rights
If a tenant complains about repairs, joins a tenants’ association, or reports code violations, you can’t retaliate by raising rent, threatening eviction, or cutting services.
Retaliation laws protect tenants and violations can lead to legal trouble for landlords.
10. Hide Fees or Lease Terms
You must disclose all fees, rules, and lease terms clearly before a tenant signs. Surprise charges or undisclosed rules can invalidate parts of your lease and lead to disputes.
Bottom Line: What You Can’t Do As a Landlord
There you have it: 10 things you can’t do as a landlord today. Understanding what you can’t do as a landlord is just as important as knowing your rights.
And if you have any further questions, I recommend consulting with a legal professional familiar with landlord-tenant law.