Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords

This booklet is designed to inform tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities in rental relationships. It serves as a useful reference—complete with the following:

• An in-depth discussion about rental-housing law in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format;
• Important timelines that outline the eviction process and recovering or keeping a security deposit;
• A sample lease, sublease, roommate agreement, lead-based paint disclosure form, and inventory checklist;
• Sample letters about repair and maintenance, termination of occupancy, and notice of forwarding address; and
• Approved court forms.

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, when you sign a lease agreement, you sign a contract. You are contractually obligated to perform certain duties and assume certain responsibilities. You are also granted certain rights and protections under the lease agreement.