Know Your Rights
as a Renter

Finding a home to rent in a suitable location with the room you need at a reasonable price can be difficult. Finding a place to rent is only the first step, however. You need to understand your rights and obligations as a renter before you sign a lease.

A lease outlines the renter’s and the landlord’s rights and duties related to the property specified. It must identify the tenant and the landlord, describe the property, state the lease term (6 months or a year) and specify the dollar amount of rent. The landlord may choose to add stipulations to the lease such as no pets, no children or no subletting the apartment. The stipulations or provisions of a lease are often negotiable.

Before placing a deposit on any rental property, review the lease. Make sure you understand the provisions and agreements before you sign. Some rental contracts are through verbal agreement. These are legal but may lead to misunderstandings between the renter and landlord. It is important for both parties to know the legal rights and obligations of renting property.

Renter Obligations
and Rights in North Carolina
Landlord Obligations
and Rights in North Carolina
Renters must: Landlords must:
  • Pay their rent on time and abide by the rental agreement.
  • Keep the property they are renting clean and safe.
  • Not damage the rental property. Normal wear and tear is not considered damage to property.
  • Comply with all obligations imposed by current building and housing codes.
  • Move out at the end of term unless the landlord is notified in writing to resubmit another lease.
  • Comply with current applicable building and housing codes.
  • Rent the property to anyone in keeping with affirmative action laws that state a prospective tenant cannot be denied because of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, country of birth, handicap or familial status.
  • Make all repairs and do what is necessary to put and keep the rental premises in a fit and habitable condition.
  • Keep all common areas of the premises in a safe condition.
  • Properly maintain the rental unit. Promptly make repairs such as electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning.
  • Abide by the lease.
Renters have the right to: Landlords have the right to:
  • Exclusive possession of the rental property for the term of the lease. This is subject to the landlord’s right to inspect the premises.
  • Seek legal action against the landlord if he fails to follow through with legal obligations.
  • Evict a tenant who breaks the lease.
  • Show or inspect the rental property with reasonable time notification to the tenant.

 

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