LAST LOOK

10 THINGS A PROPERTY OWNER CANNOT DO

Drop in on your renters unannounced – maybe you want to do an arbitrary inspection or just check in to see what’s going on with your property … you cannot do so under the law called the “covenant of quiet enjoyment.” Should the urge arise, do not do it.

Do not enter the property unannounced – it’s yet another law that you cannot violate, which is understandable. You can’t just walk into your renter’s home unannounced. That is a major violation of privacy among other things.

Evict a resident without prior notice – property owners cannot do what is called a “self-help” eviction and get rid of a renter. Even if a renter hasn’t paid rent, you still have to go through the proper legal channels.

Turn off utilities – it doesn’t matter if the renter hasn’t paid rent, you cannot shut down their utilities.

Increase rent without notice – you can’t just increase the rent without following the regional laws in regards to rent increases. You have to follow the prescribed regulations when it comes to rental increases in your area.

You cannot ban service animals – even if you don’t want pets, when it comes to support animals (dogs and cats included), there is nothing you can do to stop it when the renter has a doctor’s note.

Refuse to make reasonable repairs – renters have the right to live in a habitable property, which means you cannot refuse to make certain repairs to things such as plumbing, HVAC, building code violations, hazards, or things a renter can’t do themselves.

Withhold security deposits for things like the usual wear and tear.

Change the locks – this could be construed as an illegal eviction.

Use the renter’s space for personal items – you can’t store items in the garage, etc. The whole leased space must not be used for anything personal.