Landlord and tenant disputes usually revolve around late rent payment, repairs, return and use of security deposits, tenant privacy, and tenancy terminations.  Both landlords and tenants have specific rights and responsibilities, primarily under state law—for example, when it comes to the timeline and procedures for landlords to return a deposit or the landlord’s legal right to enter rental property. Landlords may also spell out tenant legal responsibilities, such as when rent is due, in the lease or rental agreement.  Even when state law or a lease clause is very specific on a particular issue (which is, unfortunately, not always the case), landlord-tenant disputes are common. Depending on the situation, these may be resolved through informal negotiation, mediation with a trained professional, or in court with lawyers representing both sides. For both landlords and tenants, knowing (and complying with) your rights and responsibilities is crucial to preventing disputes, or resolving them when they occur—whether it’s an issue of who must pay for property damage or tenant rights when a rental house is being foreclosed.