Renters Agreement Laws

• Traditionally, tenancy agreements that are on a month-to-month basis are known as renter's agreements, rather than leases, which are usually in effect for up to a year once they are signed. All states have laws and regulations concerning what is to be included in renter's agreements, and the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant.
  
  

Right To Privacy

• Landlords in most states are required by law to notify their tenants in writing 24 hours in advance before entering the tenant's residence. Landlords in all states are not allowed to harass their tenants, change the locks on their doors, shut off electricity, gas or water, or attempt to forcibly remove tenants from the rental property.
  
  

Rent Increases

• In the case of rental agreements for month to month tenancy, Landlords are allowed to raise the rent, provided that they first give a 30-day written notice. In rent control cities, however, rental increases are not allowed except during specific times of the year, as determined by local rent control laws.
  
  

Security Deposits

• Landlords are allowed to collect security deposits from their tenants, and most states limit the amount that can be charged. In some states, landlords are also required to hold tenant's deposits in a separate account and are required to pay interest to their tenants. Exact laws vary by state.
  
  

Provisions And Exclusions

• Rental agreements must include provisions and exclusions concerning rental late fees, whether pets are allowed, and whether the tenant can run a business from the rental property. The rental agreement must also indicate which utilities tenants are responsible for and which utilities (if any) will be paid by the landlord.