Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent by State

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. If your state isn't listed below, see our article on "State Laws on When Tenants Can Withhold Rent or Repair and Deduct," below, for a table containing your state's rent withholding and repair and deduct statutes (if any).

Here are some state-specific articles on the repair and deduct remedy for some of the major states.

State Articles on Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent

Here are some state-specific articles on the repair and deduct remedy for some of the major states.

Most states have laws that give tenants specific options if the landlord fails to provide essential services or repair major problems, such as allowing tenants to withhold rent or repair the problem and deduct the cost of doing so from the rent. Find out what options are available in your state.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Protect your rights as a tenant and learn how to deal with problem landlords using the forms and information in these two books.
The go-to survival guide for California tenants
Minimize disputes over security deposits with this easy-to-use form.
Let your landlord know you're moving with this easy-to-use form.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Landlord-Tenant attorney.
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you