Renting a House or Apartment

Legal Risks and Downsides of Sharing an Apartment or House With Roommates

Legal obligations and responsibilities of roommates who sign onto the same lease.

When a Roommate Wants to Leave Early

A roommate's decision to leave early can have serious consequences for the cotenants left behind.

What's the Difference Between a Tenant and a Subtenant?

A tenant has signed a lease or rental agreement with a landlord. A subtenant is someone who subleases or rents all or part of the rental property from a tenant.

Adding a Roommate to the Lease or Rental Agreement

Tips and advice on how to responsibly and smoothly take on a roommate.

Legal and Illegal Reasons Landlords Can Reject a Rental Application

What a landlord can and cannot ask you when you're applying for a rental.

Can I Be Refused an Apartment Because of My Criminal Record?

I recently applied for a apartment and was rejected. The reason they gave me was stated in one word: criminal. I have a felony conviction almost 10 years old. Is this a form of discrimination?

Ten Tips for Tenants

Know your rights when you rent a house or apartment.

Tips for Securing Temporary Housing After a Natural Disaster

Homeowners displaced after a disaster such as a fire, flood, or hurricane may find themselves in the market for a rental.

How to Impress a Prospective Landlord

Found your dream apartment? Distinguish yourself from all the other rental applicants.

What Are the Differences Between Renting from an Individual Landlord and a Property Management Firm?

The type of landlord you rent from—be it a professional property management company or an individual owner—can have a big impact on your overall experience as a renter.

How to Check Out a Landlord or Property Manager

Before you choose a place to rent, find out what it’s like to rent deal with the landlord or manager. Make sure you don't forget to screen them.

Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement FAQ

Learn about the laws that cover security deposits, rent increases, and late fees.

Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In

Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.

Chart: Security Deposit Limits, State-by-State

Learn how much security deposit a landlord can charge in your state.

Renting a House or Apartment With Roommates

One cotenant's negative behavior—not paying the rent, for example—can affect everyone's tenancy.

Tenant Rights Against Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Discrimination

Know your rights when a landlord won't rent to you because you are gay, lesbian, or transgender.

Housing Rights of People With Disabilities

A person with a disability who's seeking a rental shouldn't face questions by landlords as to whether they have a disability or illness, nor a request to see medical records.

Tenant Rights to Smoke Cigarettes or Marijuana in Rental Units

Federal, state, and local laws, as well as your lease or rental agreement, can restrict or ban smoking in a rental unit.

Landlord-Tenant Statutes, State-by-State

This is the chart you need if you're trying to find your state's landlord-tenant laws.

A Hurricane Ruined My Vacation Rental: Do I Get My Money Back?

You've paid for the rental, but Mother Nature steps in. What now?

Typical Provisions in Leases and Rental Agreements

Key terms you can expect to see in a lease or rental agreement.