State Landlord-Tenant Laws

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State laws cover many aspects of the landlord tenant relationship, from security deposits to landlord access to rental property. The charts in this section include the key statutes pertaining to landlord-tenant law in each state, as well as specific rules on issues such as security deposit limits and deadline for return, and landlord notice to enter rental property.

Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Your State

Knowledge of state law is crucial to both landlords and tenants. Landlords want to run a profitable business and protect their investment. Tenants want to be happy in their rental homes and protect their rights. And both landlords and tenants want to avoid legal hassles when it comes to rent, deposits, repairs, and other key issues. The bottom line is that a successful landlord-tenant relationship depends heavily on both landlords and tenants knowing and complying with dozens of state laws.

Charts on State Landlord-Tenant Laws

Landlord-Tenant Statutes
To help you research your state laws, here's a listing of landlord-tenant codes for the 50 states.
Deadlines for Returning Security Deposits
State deadlines for itemizing and returning tenants' security deposits.
Security Deposit Limits
Learn how much security deposit a landlord can charge in your state.
Notice Requirements to Enter Rental Property
State rules on the amount of notice landlords must give tenants before they enter.
Small Claims Court Limits
Small claims court dollar limits in your state.
Unconditional Quit Terminations
State rules on when a landlord can order a tenant to move out on short notice.
Handling Abandoned Property
Where to find your state landlord-tenant law on abandoned property
Termination for Violation of Lease
Time limits to which a landlord must adhere before he or she can evict a tenant for violating a lease

In-Depth State Laws

Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws
Find out key laws every landlord and tenant needs to know in your state.
Changing or Breaking Your Lease in Your State
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in your state and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Required Landlord Disclosures
Find out what disclosures you should expect to see in your lease or rental agreement.
Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines
Learn about your state's laws.
Landlord’s Guide to Security Deposit Disputes in Small Claims Court State-by-State
Learn how to defend yourself in small claims court if a tenant sues you for the security deposit in your state.
Laws Prohibiting Landlord Retaliation
Synopsis on state laws that prohibit landlord to retaliate against a tenant for exercising legal rights.
Tenants in Domestic Disputes
Your state law may give victims of domestic violence the right to move out early.
Illegal Eviction Procedures
State definitions of illegal evictions and how much a tenant can sue for if found in that situation.
State-by-State Basic Rent Rules
Find your state rules covering rent, including limits on late fees, notice required to increase rent or terminate a tenancy for nonpayment of rent, and more.
Rights to Withhold Rent
Find out whether you can withhold rent or use the “repair and deduct” remedy in your state if your landlord fails to fix major problems in your rental unit.
Termination for Nonpayment of Rent and Other Rent Rules
State-by-state rent rules, including notice landlords must give tenants to increase rent or end the tenancy for nonpayment of rent.
Notice Requirements to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancies
Learn about how much notice a landlord must give to terminate your tenancy, and vice versa.
Q&A: Can I Seize a Tenant's Property to Cover Unpaid Rent?
Can you take the property left behind by tenants as payment of the rent they owe?
Q&A: How Can I Collect Upaid Rent From a Tenant Who Moves Out?
What do you do about unpaid rent when the tenant moves out?