Rights, in real situations
Housing
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Housing
What kinds of housing discrimination does federal law prohibit?Background reading
Background reading
The Fair Housing Act prohibits covered housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or having children in the household.
The law can apply to renting, buying, mortgages and other housing services.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Where can I report housing discrimination?Background reading
Background reading
Report it through HUD’s housing discrimination page or call 1-800-669-9777. Include what happened, when, the property and who was involved.
HUD also explains accessible reporting options and protections against retaliation on the linked page.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
My apartment has unassigned parking. Can I request a nearby reserved space for my disability?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA resident with a disability seeking an exception to an unassigned-parking policy at housing covered by the Fair Housing Act.
Yes. In housing covered by the Fair Housing Act, reserving an available accessible space can be a required reasonable accommodation when disability makes it necessary to use and enjoy your home.
What to do next
- Ask the manager for an identified nearby space and explain how the distance affects your disability-related access.
- Put the request in writing for your records and keep any response, though no special phrase or form is essential.
- If refused, ask for the reason and discuss an effective alternative. Preserve the request and denial for HUD.
What could change this answer?
- If both the disability and need are obvious, the provider should not demand extra disability documentation.
- If they are not apparent, reliable information establishing the disability-related need may be requested; full medical records are usually unnecessary.
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Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
Can my landlord forbid disability-related grab bars because the lease bans alterations?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA disability-related structural change, such as bathroom grab bars, in a rental home covered by the Fair Housing Act.
A landlord covered by the Fair Housing Act generally must permit a reasonable modification needed because of a disability. In ordinary private housing, the tenant usually pays for that modification.
What to do next
- Describe the proposed installation and explain why it is needed for disability-related use of the home.
- Discuss the work plan, necessary permits and proper installation with the landlord. Keep approval and cost arrangements in writing.
- Clarify any lawful restoration requirement before work begins, and keep records if permission is refused.
What could change this answer?
- Federally assisted housing can have additional Section 504 obligations that change who pays.
- Restoration is not automatic for every modification. Removing grab bars may be reasonable while removing wall reinforcement ordinarily is not.
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Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
A landlord rejected me because a background check lists someone else’s eviction. What can I get?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA rental decision based at least partly on a consumer or tenant screening report, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
You are entitled to the screening company’s contact information and notice of your dispute rights. Request a free copy of the report from that company within 60 days of the adverse action.
What to do next
- Save the denial and ask the landlord for the screening company’s name, address and telephone number.
- Request the free report within 60 days. Compare names, birth dates and court information with your own records.
- Dispute the mistaken identity with the screening company, attach supporting copies, and tell the landlord you are challenging the error.
What could change this answer?
- Adverse action can include requiring a cosigner, higher rent or a larger deposit because of the report.
- The company generally has 30 days to investigate, with up to 45 days in some cases; an urgent rental deadline does not shorten that federal period.
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Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
My subsidized landlord demands a police report before recognizing domestic-violence protections. Is that required?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationSurvivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking in a VAWA-covered housing program, regardless of sex.
Generally no. In a covered housing program, a survivor may choose from permitted documentation, including HUD’s self-certification form. A provider normally cannot insist on a police report.
What to do next
- Identify your housing program and ask for the Notice of Occupancy Rights and HUD-5382 certification form.
- If documentation is requested, keep the dated written request and check its deadline. Select a permitted documentation option that fits your situation.
- Keep a secure copy of what you provide and its delivery date. Ask HUD about a refusal to accept permitted documentation.
What could change this answer?
- These program-specific protections do not cover every private rental. Confirm the program before relying on them.
- VAWA information has confidentiality protections, with exceptions including written consent, eviction proceedings and disclosures required by law.
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Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
A maintenance worker says he will fix my heat only if I have sex with him. Is that housing discrimination?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationSexual demands or other unlawful sexual harassment connected to obtaining or keeping housing, repairs or housing services.
Conditioning repairs on sexual conduct is a form of sexual harassment in housing that can violate the Fair Housing Act. You can report conduct by maintenance workers, managers or landlords to DOJ or HUD.
What to do next
- Save messages, repair requests and the words used, with dates and the person’s role. Keep copies somewhere they cannot access.
- Write down witnesses and any withheld repair, threatened eviction or other housing consequence.
- Use DOJ’s reporting route or contact HUD. Explain both the sexual conduct and the housing benefit or penalty involved.
What could change this answer?
- The conduct may involve a property employee even if the owner did not personally make the demand.
- An agency report does not automatically resolve an urgent repair or stop an eviction; obtain timely local help for those separate needs.
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Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
In California, when must my landlord return my deposit after I move out?Background reading
Background reading
Choose California to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
California law
For this situationA tenant moving out of a California residential rental.
Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the remaining deposit and provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What to do next
- Keep the lease, deposit receipt, move-out date, key-return record and dated photographs.
- Give a forwarding address in writing. Compare each deduction with the move-in condition and supporting records.
- After the deadline, request the missing balance and accounting in writing. If unresolved, review California Courts form SC-100 and the small claims filing instructions.
What could change this answer?
- When work cannot reasonably finish within 21 days, a permitted good-faith estimate can precede the final accounting; the final statement and balance are due within 14 days after completion.
- Ordinary wear is excluded, but damage caused by the tenant or guests can be deductible.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
Can I ask for a California move-out inspection before deposit deductions are decided?Background reading
Background reading
Choose California to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
California law
For this situationA California residential tenant preparing for an ordinary move-out, rather than an eviction covered by a statutory inspection exception.
Yes. You can request an initial inspection during the last two weeks of the tenancy, attend it, and receive an itemized list of proposed deductions so you can address them before leaving.
What to do next
- Request the initial inspection in writing after giving move-out notice, and ask to be present.
- Arrange a time within the final two weeks. Keep the landlord’s proposed-deduction list and take photographs.
- Address listed cleaning or repairs you can properly complete before leaving. Save receipts and photographs of the final condition.
Words you can use
I request an initial move-out inspection and would like to attend. My planned move-out date is [DATE]. Please propose a time within the final two weeks.
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- The inspection is optional for the tenant; it is separate from the final deposit accounting.
- An eviction for specified tenant violations can remove the initial-inspection requirement.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
When must a New York landlord return a deposit for an apartment that is not rent regulated?Background reading
Background reading
Choose New York to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
New York law
For this situationA New York residential tenant moving out of a rental that is not subject to rent stabilization or rent control.
Within 14 days after you vacate, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions and return the remaining deposit. Missing that deadline forfeits the right to retain any of it.
What to do next
- Keep proof of the deposit, vacancy date, returned keys and condition at move-in and move-out.
- Provide your forwarding address and request the balance and itemized statement in writing.
- If the deadline passes or deductions are disputed, use the New York Attorney General’s rent security complaint form and attach supporting records.
What could change this answer?
- Lawful deductions can include unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear.
- Additional damages for willful violations require proof; they are not an automatic payment from filing a complaint.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
Can a New York landlord charge me $100 for an apartment credit check?Background reading
Background reading
Choose New York to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
New York law
For this situationA prospective residential tenant applying to a New York landlord, outside the cooperative-apartment exception.
For a covered rental application, a landlord’s background or credit-check fee is limited to the actual cost or $20, whichever is less.
What to do next
- Ask what the charge covers and request an itemized invoice and copy of the background or credit report.
- If you have a qualifying check from the previous 30 days, provide a copy and request waiver of the check fee.
- Save the listing, payment demand, report and receipt. Report an excessive rental-application charge to the New York Attorney General.
What could change this answer?
- The landlord must waive the check fee when the applicant supplies a background or credit check conducted within the past 30 days.
- The landlord cannot collect the fee without providing the applicant a copy of the check and the receipt or invoice for its cost.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
My one-year New York lease is ending. How much notice is required for a 5% rent increase?Background reading
Background reading
Choose New York to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
New York law
For this situationA New York residential tenant with a lease of at least one year but less than two years, occupancy under two years, and a proposed increase of at least 5%, outside rent regulation.
For a covered tenant with a one-year lease who has occupied the unit for less than two years, the landlord must give at least 60 days’ written notice of a renewal increase of 5% or more.
What to do next
- Keep your lease, original move-in date and the written renewal notice with its delivery date.
- Calculate the percentage increase and compare the proposed start date with the required notice period.
- Request a corrected start date if notice is short. Use the Attorney General’s tenant guide to identify legal help and check additional protections.
What could change this answer?
- A lease term of at least two years triggers a 90-day period; longer occupancy can also change the required notice.
- Without timely notice, existing terms continue until the required notice period expires.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
When is my Maryland security deposit due after my tenancy ends normally?Background reading
Background reading
Choose Maryland to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Maryland law
For this situationA Maryland residential tenant whose tenancy has ended normally, with possession returned to the landlord.
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with applicable interest, less lawful deductions, and mail a written itemization of claimed damage costs.
What to do next
- Keep the lease, deposit receipt, move-out evidence and photographs. Give your forwarding address in writing.
- Count 45 days from the tenancy’s end and compare any itemized deductions with your records.
- Request the unpaid balance and accounting in writing. Use Maryland Attorney General landlord/tenant mediation or the Court Help Center if unresolved.
What could change this answer?
- After qualifying abandonment or early eviction, send a first-class written demand with a new address within 45 days; the landlord then has 45 days after receipt.
- Ordinary wear is excluded from damages. Interest rules depend on the deposit amount and how long it was held.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
Can Maryland rent escrow help when my landlord leaves a serious health hazard unrepaired?Background reading
Background reading
Choose Maryland to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Maryland law
For this situationA Maryland residential tenant facing a serious hazard, such as dangerous wiring or lack of required heat, rather than a minor cosmetic defect.
Maryland rent escrow can address serious conditions threatening life, health or safety after the landlord has notice and a reasonable opportunity to repair. The court can direct rent into escrow and order relief.
What to do next
- Document the hazard and give the landlord dated written notice. Preserve inspection reports and repair requests.
- Allow a reasonable repair opportunity based on the danger. Contact the Maryland Court Help Center about timing and local procedures.
- Prepare District Court form DC-CV-083 and supporting records. Attend the hearing and comply with any order to pay rent into court.
What could change this answer?
- Thirty days is not a mandatory waiting period for every hazard; urgent conditions can require faster repair.
- Tenant-caused conditions or denial of reasonable repair access can affect relief.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
Can my DC landlord use my deposit to replace carpet worn out through ordinary use?Background reading
Background reading
Choose the District of Columbia to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
District of Columbia law
For this situationA DC residential tenant disputing a replacement charge for normal deterioration, age or ordinary use.
DC law does not allow a landlord to charge the tenant or deduct from the deposit for replacement value caused by ordinary wear and tear.
What to do next
- Gather move-in and move-out photographs, inspection reports and any information about the item’s age.
- Ask for an itemized explanation identifying the damage, cause, proposed replacement and amount charged.
- Dispute ordinary-wear charges in writing with supporting copies. Contact the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate for help choosing the proper remedy.
What could change this answer?
- Wear from intended use and deterioration due to age are different from tenant-caused damage.
- This rule addresses wear-related replacement charges; unpaid rent and other lawful deductions require a separate review.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
Can my DC landlord raise the rent immediately after sending a notice?Background reading
Background reading
Choose the District of Columbia to read this local rule and its limits.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
District of Columbia law
For this situationA DC residential tenant receiving a landlord’s notice of a rent increase.
No. The increase can take effect on the first normal rent due date more than 60 calendar days after notice, subject to any longer required notice period.
What to do next
- Keep the notice, delivery date, lease and normal monthly rent due date.
- Count more than 60 calendar days, then identify the next normal rent due date. Check whether your lease requires a longer period.
- Ask the landlord to correct a premature effective date and contact the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate about rent-control coverage and the increase amount.
What could change this answer?
- If the lease requires more than 30 days’ notice from you of an intent to vacate, the rent-increase notice must be at least 30 days longer than that tenant notice period.
- A 60-day tenant notice clause therefore requires at least 90 days’ rent-increase notice; other lease protections can also matter.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
What should I save if my landlord ignores a repair request?Background reading
Background reading
Start with repair requests and responses; photos with dates; lease, notice, or relevant correspondence.
Keep your own observations separate from what someone told you. These are preparation steps, not a finding about your rights or eligibility.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
My landlord changed the locks or shut off an essential service. What now?Background reading
Background reading
Choose Virginia to read this guide. We have not researched this question for other states.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Virginia law
For this situationA residential tenancy covered by Virginia’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Check separately for hotels, institutional or employment-linked housing.
For a covered Virginia tenancy, you can ask General District Court to restore access or essential services when the landlord acted willfully and without court authority. The initial hearing must be within five calendar days of filing.
What to do next
- Save the lease, messages, photos, utility notices and receipts showing what happened and who caused it.
- Complete DC-431, Tenant’s Petition for Relief from Unlawful Exclusion. State the facts and the relief you need.
- Contact the local General District Court clerk about filing, urgent scheduling and service. If fees are a barrier, ask about DC-409 fee relief.
- Keep proof of reasonable efforts to tell the landlord the hearing’s date and time. Attend with your evidence.
Words you can use
Since [TIME / DATE], I cannot [ENTER / USE SERVICE] at [ADDRESS] because [FACTS]. Please restore access or service immediately. Please respond in writing.
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- A preliminary order without the landlord present requires good cause and reasonable efforts to give hearing notice.
- The court determines relief from the evidence. Filing does not itself order access restored or award money.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
I moved out more than 45 days ago. Where is my security deposit?Background reading
Background reading
Choose Virginia to read this guide. We have not researched this question for other states.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Virginia law
For this situationA security deposit for a residential tenancy covered by Virginia’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
For a covered Virginia tenancy, the landlord generally must provide a written itemized accounting and refund the balance within 45 days after the tenancy ends or you move out, whichever is later.
What to do next
- Collect the lease, deposit receipt, termination notice, move-out and key-return evidence, photos and any deduction notices.
- Provide your forwarding address in writing. Count 45 days from the later of termination and move-out.
- Request the itemized accounting and balance. Identify disputed charges and include supporting copies.
- If unresolved, a money claim of $5,000 or less can use small claims form DC-402. Ask the court clerk about filing, service and the correct defendant.
Words you can use
My tenancy ended [DATE] and I vacated on [DATE]. My deposit was [AMOUNT]. Please send the itemized accounting and balance to [FORWARDING ADDRESS]. I dispute [CHARGE] because [REASON].
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- Ordinary wear and tear is excluded from damage deductions, but authorized rent and other charges may be deducted.
- Damage exceeding the deposit and requiring a contractor can allow 15 extra days for itemization if notice was given within the first 45 days.
- Early termination, unpaid rent, utility deductions or co-tenants can change the amount due.
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Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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