When you move out of a rental, your landlord cannot simply keep part of your security deposit and call it a day. In most states, the law requires a written explanation of exactly what was taken and why. That explanation is called an itemized deduction list, and understanding it is the key to protecting your … Read more

You spot dark patches spreading across the bathroom ceiling, and the musty smell is getting worse. Mold in a rental is more than an eyesore. It can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory problems, and it often signals a deeper issue like a hidden leak. The good news is that landlords in every state have … Read more

Many renters are surprised the first time a lease application or renewal letter includes a requirement to carry renters insurance. It feels like an extra cost imposed on top of rent and a security deposit, and plenty of tenants wonder whether landlords are even allowed to demand it. The short answer is yes, in most … Read more

You hand your landlord $2,000 as a security deposit. They hold it for three years. In that time, the money could have earned interest in a savings account. So here is a fair question: does your landlord owe you interest on your deposit when you move out? The answer depends entirely on where you live. … Read more

Your security deposit is one of the largest checks you will write when renting a home, and one of the most disputed when the lease ends. Landlords are allowed to keep part of it in certain situations, but they cannot treat it as free money. Understanding the difference between legal and illegal deductions is the … Read more

Stepping into the role of a landlord involves much more than simply collecting monthly rent checks and holding a spare set of keys. Owning and renting out residential property in the United States is a business, and like any business, it comes with a significant set of legal and ethical responsibilities. These obligations, defined by … Read more