← Know Your Rights

Tenant protections vary widely by state and city. Ask a local tenants' rights organization or attorney.

• Most landlords must give written notice before eviction.
• Eviction usually requires a court order — a landlord generally cannot remove you without one.
• Habitable conditions (heat, water, no major hazards) are often required.
• Discrimination based on race, national origin, family status, and disability is generally illegal.
• Keep all written communication and pay rent in a way that creates a record.
• Local legal aid organizations often help tenants for free.