Are you renting your home? What you need to know.

by | Oct 4, 2011 | Blogroll, lofts and condos, make life easier, Uncategorized

This is a great article on renting for landlord and tenant.

Article provided by USA.gov

http://www.usa.gov/topics/family_homes/renting.shtml

Renting a Home or Apartment

A lease is an agreement that outlines the obligations of the owner and the tenants of a house or apartment. It is a legally binding document that courts will generally uphold in legal proceedings, so it is important for you to know the exact terms of the lease agreement before you sign it. Some things to look for in a lease:

  • Clauses that allow the landlord to change the terms of the lease after it is signed
  • Requirements/responsibilities of the tenants to do routine repairs such as lawn maintenance, cleaning or notification of repairs
  • Restrictions that would prevent you from living normally or comfortably in the home
  • Term of the lease and any important dates such as when the rent is due, or garbage pick up days

Read the lease carefully and discuss anything you don’t understand or issues you might have. All landlord responsibilities should be clearly stated. Always get a copy of the signed lease to keep in your records. Any clause or terms in the agreement affects ALL parties who sign.

Tenants who lease or rent property are protected against discrimination by The Fair Housing Act. If you think your rights have been violated, you may write a letter or telephone the HUD office nearest you. You have one year after the alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file as soon as possible.

Each state has its own tenant rights, laws and protections. Contact HUD for a state-by-state directory. You can also find public housing that is available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The agency offers several housing assistance programs for tenants and landlords.

TOP TIPS FOR RENTERS

Ten Tips for Renters

  • The best way to win over a prospective landlord is to be prepared by bringing a completed rental application; written references from previous landlords, employers, friends and colleagues; and a current copy of your credit report with you.
  • Carefully review all the important conditions of the lease before you sign.
  • To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with your landlord, get everything in writing.
  • Know your rights to live in a habitable rental unit-and don’t give them up.
  • Keep communication open with your landlord.
  • Ask about your privacy rights before you sign the lease.
  • Purchase renter’s insurance to cover your valuables.
  • Make sure the security deposit refund procedures are spelled out in your lease or rental agreement.
  • Learn whether your building and neighborhood are safe, and what you can expect your landlord to do about it if they aren’t.
  • Know when to fight an eviction notice and when to move. Unless you have the law and provable facts on your side, fighting an eviction notice is usually shortsighted.

Landlords

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s rental assistance program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, allows low-income families to lease privately-owned rental housing. If you wish to rent to voucher holders, ou should inform the local Housing Authority. For more information contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Landlord in Foreclosure?

If the property you live in goes into foreclosure, you still have rights as a renter. Under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009:

  • All tenants are entitled to a 90-day notice before being evicted due to foreclosure
  • Existing leases will be valid through the end of the lease term. If the lease ends in less than 90 days, you will have a minimum of 90 days notice prior to eviction.
  • There is an exception: if the new owner plans to use the property as their primary residence, you may have to vacate within 90 days (even if the lease extends longer than that time period).