Title: Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants | Lawyers.com
Headings: Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Rights & Responsibilities of Tenants
Security Deposits
Your Privacy Versus Landlord Access
Maintenance and Repairs
Safety on the Property
Insurance
Pets
Questions for Your Attorney

Content: So, a landlord shouldn’t hide or conceal defects from you—for example, by placing a carpet over weak flooring. If you’re hurt because your landlord concealed a defect or was negligent in making repairs (for example, by failing to fix something such as a broken handrail on the steps to your front door), your landlord may be liable for your injuries or losses. Finally, landlords are often expected to deal with serious environmental health hazards. Federal law, for example, requires property owners to inform tenants (before they sign a lease) of lead-based paint hazards on the property. Insurance
Your lease may include a clause requiring you to obtain renters’ insurance. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to purchase renters’ insurance to cover damage to the rental unit or loss of or damage to your personal belongings, such your clothes and TV, as a result of fire or theft. Renters’ insurance will also provide coverage if your negligence causes injury (or property damage) to another person. The landlord’s property insurance will not cover you in these situations. Pets
Your landlord can probably bar you from keeping pets on the premises or restrict the type of pet allowed (such as specifying no dogs over 20 pounds, or no dogs of a particular breed). A landlord may not, however, prohibit trained service animals used by someone with a physical or mental disability.