Common renter questions, answered

Can my landlord enter my home without notice?

In most states, no — a landlord generally must give reasonable advance notice before entering.

Do I still have privacy rights if my landlord lives next door?

Usually yes — living nearby doesn't erase your rights as a tenant.

My landlord is not returning my security deposit

Confirm the deadline has actually started (many states need your written forwarding address), send a written demand, then small claims. Held for legal review.

Can my landlord keep my deposit without proof of damages?

Generally no — most states require a landlord to give you an itemized written statement of any deductions.

Can my landlord keep my deposit and still bill me for more?

Only for real, documented costs. A landlord can seek amounts beyond your deposit if actual damage or unpaid rent genuinely exceeds it — but they must be able to prove it, usually with an itemized accounting, and you can dispute charges you believe are wrong or inflated. They can't simply demand extra money.

Can my landlord evict me?

Only through your state’s court process and only on an allowed ground — the answer depends on the ground, the stage and your state. Held for legal review.

Illegal or wrongful eviction: what to do right now

A notice is not a court order. Lockouts, shutoffs and removed belongings without a court order are self-help evictions — urgent, with fast remedies in many states. Held for legal review.

Can my landlord lock me out if I've paid rent and my lease is valid?

No. In many states — including Texas — a landlord cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order.

My landlord is not fixing things. What do I do?

Written request with photos today, then a second notice, code enforcement and legal aid — before any rent remedy, which several states do not allow. Held for legal review.

Repair and deduct: when it’s allowed

A narrow, state-specific remedy that is not the same as withholding rent; it comes with notice, cap and frequency conditions. Held for legal review.

My landlord broke the lease. What are my options?

Name whether it is a lease promise, a legal duty or quiet enjoyment — the remedy path differs. Held for legal review.

Can my landlord keep their belongings in the space I rent?

Usually not, if it wasn't in your lease. When you rent a space.

Can my landlord raise my rent without a reason?

In many places a landlord doesn't have to give a “reason” to raise rent when a lease renews.

How often can my landlord raise my rent?

As a rule, not during a fixed-term lease — the rent is locked until the term ends unless your lease says otherwise.

How much can my landlord raise my rent?

It depends on where you live. Most U.S. states have no statewide cap.

Can my landlord change how I pay rent and then call it late?

Generally not out of the blue. Your lease usually sets how and where rent is paid.

My rent check got lost in the mail — what are my rights?

If you sent rent on time by the method your lease allows, you're generally in a reasonable position.

Can my landlord add a fee to pay rent — do I have to pay it?

It depends on your lease and state. Fees generally have to be authorized by your agreement and comply with state law, and a landlord usually can't force a brand-new mandatory fee mid-lease that you never agreed to.

Can I Withhold Rent Until My Landlord Makes Repairs?

This is one of the riskiest moves a tenant can make on their own.

What Happens If I Break My Lease Early?

Generally, you remain financially responsible for the lease unless a specific exception applies or your landlord agrees to end it early.

What Can I Do If My Corporate Landlord Is Ignoring Me?

You have the same tenant rights against a large property-management company or corporate landlord as you would against an individual owner — the size of the company doesn't reduce your protections, and it generally doesn't excuse them from repair, notice, or habitability obligations.

Is a Portal Fee to Pay Rent Legal?

It depends. A portal or “convenience” fee to pay rent online is often allowed.

Is My Landlord Retaliating Against Me After I Complained?

Possibly — in many states, it's illegal for a landlord to punish a tenant for a legally protected action, like requesting repairs, reporting a code violation, joining a tenant organization, or exercising a legal right.

What Can I Do If My Landlord Denied My Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal generally isn't treated as a “pet” under federal fair housing law.