Tenant Rights Get to know your rights as a tenant by reviewing a copy of your state's landlord-tenant laws. Also ask for the name and telephone number of a person to contact in the event of an emergency, such as a water main breaking or the furnace going out. Some rental companies require tenants to carry renter's insurance, and it is recommended that all renters do so. Insurance A landlord cannot insure the personal property of a tenant, so a renter's policy insures contents and also has some liability in case the renter does something to damage the unit, such as overflowing a bathtub. At the time of signing a lease, a tenant will usually be expected to pay one month rent in advance, along with a security deposit that the landlord or manager will keep to pay for any damages to the unit, unpaid rents, or to cover other expenses such as the cost of evicting a tenant for failing to abide by the terms of the lease.
State laws determine the maximum amount an owner can charge for a security deposit.
If a tenant fulfills all of his or her obligations under the lease and leaves the unit in good condition, the landlord must return the security deposit within thirty days of the end of the rental period. To ensure that tenants receive their deposit back, the best thing is to leave the property in the same condition as when you move in. Many owners and managers will require tenants to fill out an inspection report at the start of the rental period. Always do a thorough inspection, even if the owner or property manager doesn't give you a form. Do your own inspection immediately even if no form is provided to avoid any liabilities down the road.