• Tenants have rights and responsibilities.warten (2) image by fuxart from Fotolia.com
  
  Tenants rent or lease property from a landlord. Some deal directly with the property owner when they enter into a rental agreement, while others deal with an agent or company representing the owner. Laws vary from state to state on rental housing, but all tenants have some basic rights and duties.
  
  

Rights

• Every tenant has a right to fair treatment. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicaps or family status. In addition, although specific state laws vary, tenants have the right to safe and clean living space. A tenant's physical health should not be placed at risk by apartments or houses that are infested with bugs or rodents, or by other unsanitary conditions like sewage backups. Tenants have rights to adequate wiring, leak-proof roofs and living quarters that meet state and city building and fire codes. Repairs should be timely after a tenant notifies a landlord of a problem, especially if the problem involves a health or safety risk, or any code violation.
  
  

Duties

• Tenants must abide by the terms of their lease or rental agreement. This includes paying the rent on time and adhering to rules set by the landlord for use of the property. The tenant shouldn't damage the property, or make alterations without permission. Tenants have a duty to keep rental property in good condition at all times, and to leave it in good condition when the rental agreement is up and they leave. If tenants change or add locks, they must get permission from the landlord and provide the landlord with keys to new locks.
  
  

Notice

• Tenants must give proper notice for repairs, maintenance and before vacating an apartment or other rental property. If a tenant vacates a property without a written notice, he may still be liable for paying rent. If the tenant does not leave the unit in good and clean condition, she may be liable for cleaning and repair costs. Tenants also have the right to receive notice in some cases when the landlord enters a rental property. Check your state laws for specific requirements.