Marcia Stewart wrote and edited Nolo books on landlord-tenant law, real estate, and other consumer issues. She co-authored the first and several subsequent editions of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, Every Landlord's Legal Guide, First-Time Landlord, Every Tenant's Legal Guide, Leases and Rental Agreements, and Renters' Rights. She edited dozens of Nolo books, including The Women's Small Business Start-Up Kit.
Articles By Marcia Stewart
Don’t Lock Out or Freeze Out a Tenant—It’s Illegal
Landlords are subject to penalties if they change the locks or shut off utilities to get a tenant out of rental property.
When Should Home Seller Hire Inspector Before Marketing the House?
As a home seller, you could just sit back and wait for the buyer to do a home inspection. But that leaves you open to a problem: The buyer’s inspection may turn up hidden defects or problems that can turn the negotiating tables in the buyer’s favor.
Sample Letter to Landlord: Security Concerns and Alerts
How to get your landlord to fix a dangerous security problem
Arizona Landlord's Guide to Security Deposit Disputes in Justice of the Peace Court
Even the most meticulous landlord may be sued by a tenant over the return of a security deposit. Fortunately, you can take some basic steps to minimize the possibility that you’ll spend hours in court haggling over back rent, cleaning costs, and damage to your rental property. Know Arizona’s Rules
Arizona Late Fees, Termination for Nonpayment of Rent, and Other Rent Rules
Find out Arizona rent rules, including limits on late fees, notice requirements for rent increases, and notice required for terminating a tenancy for nonpayment of rent.
Arizona Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent or “Repair and Deduct”
Find out when and how to pay less rent in Arizona when your landlord fails to fix major problems in your rental unit.
Breaking a Lease and Leaving Early
Find out what landlords can (and can’t) do when tenants leave before the end of their lease.
Filing a Security Deposit Lawsuit in California Small Claims Court
Here’s an overview of the steps involved with filing a security deposit lawsuit in California.
What to Do and Not to Do If You Can't Pay Rent on Time
Here are some dos and don'ts of paying rent late—including how to negotiate a partial or delayed rent payment.
Grace Periods and Rent Due Dates
Rent is legally due on the date specified in your agreement (usually the first of the month), and in the form of payment (usually check) that the landlord requires.