In addition to tenant rights, landlord rights exist as well. Most of these rights are spelled out in the lease agreement, and they can also vary a bit from state to state. Here are some of the basics that are commonly seen throughout the nation:
- The landlord has the right to receive the rent on time. Many leases will have a penalty spelled out for late rent payments, such as a fee. Failure to pay rent can eventually result in a tenant being evicted from the apartment building.
- While normal wear and tear is expected while a tenant lives in an apartment, damage and abuse of the property is outside of those bounds. What is the difference? Normal wear and tear happens as a result of regular living, such as wear on carpet, whereas damage would be much more severe.
- In some states landlords will require tenants to purchase renters insurance as a condition of moving into the building.
- Up-front notice about moving out is another item that is typically spelled out in the lease. Although the time period for giving notice can vary, it pays to know what it is ahead of time.
- The landlord has the right to make repairs on the property but generally must give notice prior to entering an apartment.
