Frequently Asked Questions - Landlord Tenant

As a general rule a landlord has no duty to make repairs to leased premises unless the landlord agrees to

Landlords are entitled to come onto or enter the premises at reasonable times and with reasonable notice and to make repairs and inspections; they are entitled to immediate access to make emergency repairs and inspections. Otherwise, the tenant is entitled to peaceful enjoyment and if the landlord wrongfully violates the peaceful enjoyment the landlord is in violation of the lease.

Photographs of the premises and of the damages claimed are very helpful if the dispute goes to trial, whether the damages are claimed by the tenant to have been there when he or she moved in, or claimed by the landlord to be due to the negligence of the tenant.

The landlord may not keep any portion of a damage or security deposit unless there is back rent due or damages to the premises.

Reasonable charges for late rent payments may be assessed by the landlord but ONLY if agreed to in advance.

Oral lease agreements are enforceable, but there are fewer disputes about the terms of the lease when it is written and when all parties have read it carefully before signing.

An eviction can only be filed if it is on a rental basis only. If the case involves a land contract you must hire an attorney to file the case for you.

You need to give them a written 10 day Notice to Quit that is dated. You need to keep a copy of the dated Notice to Quit in order to show the Judge in court. The Clerk’s Office DOES NOT have a copy of this form available.