Landlord

Share This
« Back to Glossary Index

Landlords must comply with state and local housing and safety codes

All states and municipalities have housing codes mandating every landlord provide essential services to their tenants. This includes hot and cold running water, a roof that doesn’t leak, and safe wiring.

Under the law, the landlord must provide the tenant with a legally habitable premise. In addition, many municipalities have health and safety codes that require landlords to keep their rental property free of rats, mice, and other vermin. There are fire codes that landlords must be in compliance with or risk fines and other penalties.

The landlord can also face personal liability for failing to substantially perform under the terms and conditions of the landlord-tenant lease agreement. Specifically, the landlords must repair or maintain their rental property up to code.

If the landlord fails to make the tenant’s requested repairs, the landlord can be sued for breach of contract -especially if the requested repair were required under the housing, health, or safety codes.

Related Articles

Eviction Process: Know Your Rights and Defenses

September 19, 2022
Millions of Americans face eviction with nowhere to go every year. If you know your legal rights, you can fight the eviction while you make other arrangements. This article looks at the landlord-tenant eviction process. Common Legal Reasons For Evicting A Tenant The most common reason for tenant eviction is failure to pay rent. Assuming…
Read more →

Can My Landlord Lock Me Out of My Apartment?

September 19, 2022
Can my Landlord Lock Me Out of my Apartment? No. This is considered self-help which is strictly prohibited under the law.  The landlord or his agents may not lock you out, throw you out, cut off your utilities (power & water), or take the law into their own hands in any way. These acts of "Self-Help"…
Read more →

Mixed-Use Zoning: Residential to Commercial Use

September 19, 2022
From Private Use To Commercial Use - Mixed-Use Zoning Q. Was it legal to convert our guesthouse for commercial use? I run an engine repair business from my home. I have a small guesthouse in the back that I converted into my business. I converted the guesthouse during the Covid lockdown. A few weeks ago, a…
Read more →

Apartment Hunting Guide: Tips, Legal Insights & Online Resources

September 19, 2022
Apartment Listing Services, Legal Issues & Relocation Tips Whether you are relocating because you are going through a separation or divorce or you found a new job that will require you to relocate, this article covers the benefits of online apartment listing services as well as valuable tips on finding an apartment that fits your…
Read more →

Full Service Relocation

September 19, 2022
Many people consider relocation after their divorce as a way to putting their former life behind them and make a fresh start somewhere new. However, if it is your intention to move a long distance away from your former residence, or if you are planning to move out of state, be advised this can present…
Read more →

Affiliate disclosure

GotTrouble.org is a one-stop free and open consumer information and expert resource.

Our information helps guide people through the complexity of life-changing legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

One way of doing this is by providing our visitors with a wide range of third-party resources. Some of which are affiliates.

Should you visit an affiliate, we will disclose this fact, and we may earn a commission. We ask that you use your independent judgment in deciding whether an offered service or product fits your needs and purposes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with us at inquiries@GotTrouble.org.

Sponsors