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“The number of renters in our nation has surged significantly,” states Faizah Malik, a housing rights attorney based in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience in housing issues, Malik is currently leading the housing justice initiatives at Public Counsel. “We have truly become a nation of renters, and I have witnessed rents climbing to increasingly unaffordable levels.” A recent analysis by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reveals that half of U.S. renters allocate more than 30% of their income towards rent and utilities, marking an unprecedented level of financial strain.
As a growing number of households dedicate a significant portion of their budgets to housing costs, understanding tenant rights is paramount. “It’s crucial for renters to become informed and confident about their rights—and not hesitate to stand up for them,” Malik emphasizes. Collaborating with legal professionals in Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas, we present eight lesser-known regulations that can safeguard renters’ interests.
1. Application Fees Should Not Be Excessive
This is a point of relief for those who have felt the financial burden of multiple apartment applications. “[Many] states have varying laws regarding maximum application fees,” Malik notes, which prevents landlords from charging exorbitant fees for apartment applications. For instance, California limits application fees to a maximum of $62.02, while New York allows only $20 unless the applicant submits a recent background or credit check (conducted in the last 30 days). Furthermore, multiple states—including Colorado, Maine, and Nevada—stipulate that application fees cannot exceed the actual cost of the background check. “Tenants should ensure they are familiar with the regulations specific to their state,” Malik recommends.
It is essential for renters to understand that rental laws are state-specific, and local regulations should be reviewed.
2. Landlords Must Provide Notice Before Entering
3. Possible Rent Withholding for Unaddressed Repairs
However, it is crucial to understand what constitutes a situation meriting rent withholding. Malik clarifies that this applies to repairs impacting the tenant’s health and safety, including matters related to plumbing, heating, and pest control. The definition of a “reasonable time frame” for making repairs varies by situation, with urgent issues typically needing immediate attention, while others may fall under a 30-day resolution window.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com