Finding stable housing after being released from a lengthy prison sentence is a big step, but
knowing your rights as a tenant is just as important to ensure that you are treated fairly by
landlords and property managers.
When you rent a home, you have certain legal protections and responsibilities that help keep you
safe and ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Understanding these rights will help you feel confident as you navigate the rental process and
settle into your new life.
Let’s look at some key tenant rights that you should know about as you search for housing after
prison.
The first and most important right you have as a tenant is the right to a safe and habitable home.
This means that the landlord is responsible for making sure that the place you rent is safe to live
in.
If there are problems like broken plumbing, faulty electrical wiring, or pests, it’s the landlord’s
job to fix them.
They must ensure that your rental meets basic health and safety standards, such as having
running water, working heating, and no major hazards.
If something breaks or becomes unsafe, you have the right to request repairs, and the landlord
must take care of the issue in a reasonable amount of time.
Another key right is protection against discrimination.
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you unfairly because
of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status.
While having a criminal record can make finding housing more challenging, landlords still
cannot discriminate against you for other reasons, and they must treat you fairly during the
application process.
If you feel you have been denied housing because of discrimination, there are resources available
to help you file a complaint and protect your rights.
When you sign a lease agreement, you are entering into a legal contract with the landlord.
It’s important to carefully read and understand the lease before signing it.
The lease outlines the rules you and the landlord must follow, including how much rent you will
pay, when it’s due, and what happens if there are any issues.
You have the right to receive a copy of the lease, and both you and the landlord must follow the
terms of the agreement.
If there’s anything you don’t understand or if something doesn’t seem fair, it’s okay to ask
questions or get help from a reentry counselor or legal aid organization before you sign.
You also have the right to privacy in your rental home.
Even though the landlord owns the property, they cannot just enter your home whenever they
want.
In most cases, they must give you notice before coming in, usually 24 to 48 hours in advance,
unless it’s an emergency.
Your home is your private space, and you have the right to live there without interference if you
are following the terms of the lease.
If a landlord enters your home without permission or tries to intimidate you, this is a violation of
your tenant rights, and you should seek help from a legal resource.
It’s also important to know your rights when it comes to eviction.
A landlord cannot just evict you without following legal procedures.
If the landlord wants to evict you, they must give you proper notice, usually in writing, and must
have a valid reason, such as not paying rent or violating the lease.
Even then, you have the right to challenge the eviction in court.
Eviction can be a stressful and scary process, but knowing your rights can help you protect
yourself.
If you’re facing eviction, reach out to a legal aid service or a reentry program for advice and
support.
When you first move in, the landlord may ask for a security deposit, which is money you give
them upfront to cover any potential damage to the property.
The landlord must return this deposit when you move out, as long as you’ve followed the rules
and haven’t caused any major damage.
If the landlord tries to keep your deposit for no reason or doesn’t return it within the time
allowed by law, you have the right to ask for your money back and, if necessary, take legal action
to recover it.
It’s important to document the condition of the rental when you move in by taking pictures or
videos, so if there’s any dispute about damage later, you have proof of what the home looked like
when you first started renting.
If something in your rental home breaks or needs repairs, you have the right to request repairs
from your landlord.
It’s a good idea to make repair requests in writing so that you have a record of what was
requested and when.
If the landlord doesn’t fix the problem, you may be able to take further steps, such as
withholding rent or getting the repairs done yourself and deducting the cost from your rent, but
you should consult with a legal aid organization before taking these steps, as the laws about
repairs vary depending on where you live.
Knowing your tenant rights also means knowing your responsibilities.
As a tenant, you are responsible for paying rent on time, keeping the property clean, and
following the rules of the lease.
If you break the rules, such as by damaging the property or failing to pay rent, the landlord has
the right to take action, which could include eviction.
However, if you know your rights and responsibilities, you can avoid many of these problems
and have a more positive rental experience.
In conclusion, finding stable housing after being released from prison is a major step, and
understanding your rights as a tenant is key to making sure you are treated fairly.
You have the right to live in a safe and healthy home, the right to privacy, protection from
discrimination, and the right to proper legal procedures if the landlord wants to evict you.
Knowing these rights, and where to go for help if something goes wrong, will help you feel
more confident as you begin your new life and work toward a stable future.
Keywords: Tenant rights, Renting, Lease agreement, Landlord, Fair housing, Eviction
protection, Security deposit, Repairs, Privacy, Discrimination