Renter guides by situation
Page last updated: August 22, 2026 · How we source & update
Eight starter guides for renters in a specific situation — a first apartment, military service, seniors, renters with a disability, survivors of domestic violence, immigrant renters, renting with pets, and renting with a record. Each covers the protections and practical steps that matter most for that situation, and points to the free help built for it.
First apartment, military, senior, disability, survivor, immigrant, pets, or a record.
Guides by situation
Renting your first apartment: a renter's starter guide
Before you sign your first lease, read every page, do a dated move-in inspection with photos.
Military renters' rights (SCRA basics)
Servicemembers may have special lease-termination and other housing protections under the SCRA. What they generally cover and how to use them.
Senior renters' rights
Older renters have every standard tenant right — a livable home, notice before entry.
Renters with disabilities: your housing rights
Fair-housing law generally requires landlords to grant reasonable accommodations and modifications for renters with disabilities, including assistance animals.
Housing rights for domestic-violence survivors
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Immigrant renters' rights
In general, tenant rights apply regardless of immigration status — a livable home.
Renting with pets: your rights and the rules
Renting with pets: how pet policies, pet deposits and fees work, and how assistance animals are different. Information, not legal advice.
Renting with a criminal record
Renting with a record is harder, but a blanket 'no records' policy can raise fair-housing concerns.