Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to:
n- Live in a dwelling that meets all local housing codes
n- Adequate supply of hot and cold running water
n- Adequate heat for dwelling
n- Safe & working electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if provided) systems
n- Safe and operational appliances that are provided by landlord
n- An appropriate way for you to dispose of any trash or garbage from your dwelling (landlord does not have to pay but needs to make sure these services are available)
n- Reasonable repair & maintenance times
You are responsible for:
n- Paying your rent on time
n- Keeping your dwelling clean and free of filth and clutter
n- Getting along with other tenants and/or your neighbors
n- Getting approval before attaching anything to your dwelling
- Paying for any damage to the rental caused by you or your family and/or guests.
- Reporting maintenance issues to the landlord in a timely fashion.
- Notifying your landlord if you plan to be gone for more than 7 days.
- Permit the landlord to enter when notified in advance.
Ending a Lease
A tenant may end a lease four ways:
- The lease time is up. The lease may require advanced written notice that you do not plan to renew.
- The tenant abandons the premises. This does not end the duty to pay rent. If notice is given, the landlord must try to find a new renter. You may be liable for the term of the lease.
- The tenant and landlord reach an agreement to end the lease. The duty to pay future rent would end.
- The landlord has not fulfilled his duties. A 30-day written notice of intent to end the lease because of the landlord's conduct is required. The notice must give 14 days to fix the problem. If it is fixed, the lease does not end. If the problem happens again, only a 30 day notice is required. NOTE: Rent cannot be withheld as long as you are living there, regardless of the condition of the premises.
Fair Housing
You cannot be denied housing because of your:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial Status (Having children under age 18)
- Disability.
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing, with only a few exemptions. Examples of prohibited acts include: the refusal to rent or sell housing; to set different terms and conditions; and failure to make reasonable modifications to the dwelling if you are disabled (at the renter's expense), or in policies for a disabled person to use the housing and reasonable accommodations.
If you think your rights have been violated
If you feel that you have been a victim of housing discrimination, you should immediately:
- Call your local HUD enforcement center TTY: 1-913-551-6972
Phone: 1-913-551-6958
1-800-669-9777
- Write HUD a letter with the following infiormation:
Your name and address
Description and date of violation
Name and adress of the accused
Fair Housing Center:
U.S. Department of HUD
Gateway Tower II
400 State Avenue, Room 200
Kansas City, KS 66101-24-6