As a landlord, you have certain rights, but you should also consider the potential problems of your actions to effectively avoid them. The following are the rights of a landlord: n n You can deny a tenant permission to enter the property prior to the lease or after a proper eviction through court. n You can require prospective tenants to obtain and show you proof of all income sources, like Social Security or W-2 tax documents. n You can require prospective tenants to submit credit and criminal background checks to ensure financial stability and ability to pay. n You can require that all tenants pass a building safety inspection. n You can consult your real estate attorney for an in-depth of your rights as a landlord. n n As a landlord, you are also bound by the law from the following: n n You cannot refuse to accept and return one or more security deposits after the tenant has moved out without a proper legal justification for any withholding and documentation provided in a timely manner. n You cannot change the terms of the tenant’s signed agreement without going through due process. n n If the tenant breaks a lease, they must follow the rules set out in that lease contract. You can consult with our real estate attorney for in-depth information on what the law requires of you as a landlord.