7 min read
Federal laws every landlord should know
State law sets most rental rules, but several federal laws apply in every state. Fair housing, tenant screening reports, lead paint disclosure,...
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Laws & local guides
140 posts for rental owners
Our latest articles
4 min read
Holdover tenants: what to do when a renter stays after the lease ends
A renter who stays past the end of the lease is usually still a tenant in the eyes of the law. What you do in the first few days, especially...
7 min read
Landlord-friendly states compared: it depends on the measure
There is no official list of landlord-friendly states. A state can be flexible on one rule and strict on the next, so compare the measures that...
5 min read
Large investors and single-family homes: the 2026 federal rules explained
A federal law enacted in July 2026 bars large institutional investors, entities with investment control of at least 350 single-family homes, from...
6 min read
Short-term rental rules by city and state: examples to check before you list
Short-term rentals face rules that long-term leases usually do not: registration, primary-residence limits, caps on nights, permits and lodging...
5 min read
Vicarious liability: when a landlord answers for someone else's acts
Vicarious liability means being legally responsible for harm caused by someone acting for you, such as an employee, agent or property manager. It...
7 min read
What a landlord cannot do: six lines not to cross
Owning a rental gives you a lot of control, but state and federal law draw firm lines around a renter's home. Lockouts and utility shutoffs,...
56 min read
A suspected squatter at your rental: confirm the facts and the lawful next step
Separate a never-authorized occupant from a renter, guest, or former tenant before acting. Occupancy, removal, and adverse-possession rules depend...
8 min read
Rental heat: responsibilities, thermostat control, and outage steps
Check the heating rules for the actual rental before deciding who controls the thermostat or pays for fuel. Respond to a heat outage with safe...
6 min read
How to become a Housing Choice Voucher landlord
Learn the local public housing agency process, unit review, inspection, rent approval, and contract sequence before counting on Housing Choice...
14 min read
Rent control and rent stabilization: check the rule for the unit
Rent control, rent stabilization, rent caps, and subsidized rent are not interchangeable nationwide. Confirm the program, property coverage, legal...
5 min read
Renter and landlord rights: start with the rules for this home
Use the property's location, tenancy and current agreement to find the rental rules that apply. This plain-English overview points renters and...
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