Renter problems, answered state by state
A free, plain-English guide to tenant rights in all 50 states, with the statute behind every rule.
The statute, linked
Every rule names the code section it comes from and links the state’s own copy.
Your state, not a generic answer
Deposit deadlines, notice periods and repair remedies differ by state. We say which one applies.
What to do next
Each guide ends with the next concrete step: the letter, the agency, or the court form.
Our Mission
My Tenant Rights exists because the rules that decide whether a renter keeps a deposit, gets a repair or stays in a home are scattered across fifty state codes and written for lawyers. We translate them into plain English, link the statute behind each rule, and say what to do next. We are not a law firm, we do not sell leads to landlords or lawyers, and nothing here is legal advice.
Steve Levine
Founder & Editor
Steve Levine founded and edits My Tenant Rights, an independent plain-English reference on landlord-tenant law in all 50 states. Every rule on the site links to the statute or government source it comes from, so readers can check it themselves. He is not a lawyer, and nothing on the site is legal advice. He builds consumer reference sites focused on transparency and consumer protection.
Connect on LinkedInFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
It depends on the state. Deadlines run from about 14 days to 60 days after move-out, and many states require an itemized list of deductions with any amount withheld. Security deposit deadlines and deductions.
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
Generally no. The largest states require a court process before a tenant can be removed, and changing the locks, removing belongings or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is an illegal self-help eviction under their laws. How the eviction process works.
How much can a landlord raise the rent?
Most states set no cap on the amount. California, Oregon and Washington cap annual increases for many units, some cities have rent control where state law allows it, and notice rules vary by state. Rent increase rules.
What can I do if my landlord won’t make repairs?
Put the request in writing, keep proof of delivery, and give a reasonable deadline. Depending on your state, you may then call code enforcement, use repair and deduct, pay rent into escrow, or end the lease. What to do when repairs are ignored.
Can I break my lease early?
Federal law lets service members end a lease on qualifying orders, and many states allow it for domestic violence survivors or an uninhabitable unit. Otherwise most states require the landlord to try to re-rent, which limits what you owe. How to break a lease.
Is My Tenant Rights a law firm?
No. It is a free information site. Nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your situation, contact a local legal aid office or a licensed attorney in your state.
How current is the information?
Each guide shows the date its law was last checked and links the statute, so you can confirm the current text with the state legislature before you act.