How State Law Affects Your Lease or Rental Agreement

Leases and rental agreements set out the rules of the landlord-tenant relationship, many of which are covered by state law (and sometimes local law, such as rent control ordinances). State laws cover a wide range of issues that are included in leases and rental agreements. Here are are just a few examples:

• dollar limits on late rent fees
• dollar limits on bounced rent checks
• dollar limits on security deposits
• interest payments on security deposits
• deadline for landlord to return deposit
• type of itemization required for security deposit deductions
• notice required for landlord to enter rental property
• circumstances when landlords may enter rental property, and
• disclosures, such as presence of environmental hazards like mold.

The Nolo website has useful articles and products on  leases and rental agreements.

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