4. THE RIGHT TO QUIET ENJOYMENT
Tenants have the right to “quiet enjoyment” of their homes, which means they’re entitled to live without unreasonable disturbances. As a landlord, you must give proper notice before entering a unit (unless there’s an emergency), and you’re expected to address noise or nuisance complaints when one tenant disrupts others. Respecting privacy and creating a peaceful environment can reduce turnover and limit potential legal claims.
5. SECURITY DEPOSIT LAWS
Each state sets its own rules about how much you can collect as a security deposit, how the funds should be held, and the timeline for returning them. Common requirements include: • Holding deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account. • Returning unused funds within a certain number of days after move-out. • Providing an itemized statement for any deductions. Note, California’s most recent security deposit law AB2801, effective April 1, 2025 requires landlords to take photos of the unit before move-in, after move- out, and before/after repairs. Even if it’s not required by law in your state, to protect yourself from deposit disputes, document the unit’s condition with this free detailed move-in and move-out checklist, and take dated photos or videos.
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