A rental agreement or lease ensures a tenancy. This lease may be either by word of mouth or in black and white. It may be for a fixed time period (usually yearly) or on a monthly or weekly basis. The lease must describe the property, reveal the rent, the rental period, starting date and rent payment dates, late charges for rent, and must be dated and signed by all. The amount of rent to be paid is agreed upon by the landlord and tenant. Rent is usually paid at the end of the month.

Security Deposits

Security deposit is the money paid as advance to the landlord as a safety measure against non-payment of rent, or repair of damages or clean up after vacating.

Discrimination

All persons are equal and have a right to equal accommodations, advantages, etc., despite their gender, race, color, religious preferences, origin, age or disability.

Pets and Waterbeds

Landlords may not rent a tenant who has a pet except properly trained dogs of a blind or disabled tenant.

Condition, Maintenance and Repairs

The landlord tenant law states that the landlord is responsible for keeping his property hygienic and livable.

Tenant's Privacy and the Landlord's Right to Enter

The tenant has to be given at least 24 hour advance notice of the landlord's desire to enter the premises, before the landlord can make his entry. The landlord can enter only during normal working hours.

Tenant Defaults and Termination of Tenancy

A contract of tenancy can close at the end of the rental period, or even before the rental period ends.

Evacuation Procedure

A tenant who has defaulted rent or not left the premises at the end of the rental period has to be evacuated. The landlord tenant law enforces the landlord to do so.