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The rental world is changing, and tenants are finally seeing some long-overdue protections put in place. Across the United States, state and federal laws are evolving to crack down on shady landlord behavior. From surprise inspections to sneaky evictions, what used to be brushed off as part of the renting experience is now increasingly illegal.
These legal changes reflect a growing recognition of housing as a basic human right, not just a profit opportunity. For renters everywhere, it’s important to understand exactly what landlords are no longer allowed to do—because knowledge is power when it comes to keeping a roof over one’s head.
1. Entering the Property Without Proper Notice
Landlords used to come and go with minimal warning, sometimes just waltzing into the unit with little regard for a tenant’s privacy. New laws across many states now require landlords to provide advance notice—typically at least 24 to 48 hours—before entering the rental property, except in emergencies. This gives tenants time to prepare and protects them from unexpected or intrusive visits. Violation of these notice requirements can result in fines or even lawsuits in certain jurisdictions. Renters now have stronger legal grounds to expect peace and privacy in their own homes.
2. Raising Rent Without Proper Notice or Justification
Surprise rent hikes used to be a common tactic in fast-growing rental markets, but not anymore. Many states and cities have enacted rent control or rent stabilization laws, requiring landlords to justify increases and give adequate notice—often 30 to 90 days, depending on the size of the hike. These laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily pricing tenants out of their homes, especially during times of economic uncertainty. In some areas, landlords must also follow annual percentage caps for rent increases. The era of unchecked rent spikes is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
3. Evicting Tenants Without a Legal Process
Gone are the days when landlords could simply change the locks or toss belongings out onto the street. Legal protections now require a formal eviction process, often including written notice, a court hearing, and a judge’s order. This ensures that tenants have a chance to defend themselves and avoid homelessness due to an unfair or unlawful eviction. In many states, emergency COVID-era rules have extended these protections even further. Landlords who attempt “self-help” evictions can face significant legal consequences, including criminal charges.
4. Refusing to Make Necessary Repairs
When a landlord fails to fix broken plumbing, heating issues, or pest infestations, it’s not just annoying—it’s illegal in many areas. Housing codes and warranty of habitability laws require landlords to maintain safe and livable conditions for tenants. If repairs are ignored, tenants may be entitled to withhold rent, perform the repairs themselves and deduct the cost, or report the landlord to local housing authorities. Newer laws are also imposing faster response timelines for critical repairs. Ignoring maintenance obligations is now a fast track to legal trouble.
5. Discriminating Against Tenants Based on Protected Characteristics
Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or family status has long been illegal under the Fair Housing Act, but enforcement is now tighter than ever. In many states and cities, new protections also cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and even sources of income, such as housing vouchers. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone or treat them unfairly based on these protected classes. They are also barred from placing discriminatory ads or asking invasive questions during the application process. These rules are creating a fairer, more inclusive rental landscape for all.
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6. Charging Excessive or Non-Refundable Security Deposits
Security deposit laws have been reformed in many places to prevent landlords from abusing this system. Landlords are often limited to charging one or two months’ rent for a deposit and are required to return it within a set period after a tenant moves out, usually 14 to 30 days. Some jurisdictions now ban non-refundable deposits entirely, recognizing them as a way to unfairly take money from tenants. Clear itemized deductions must be provided for any withheld amount, and vague or excessive charges are not allowed. These updates give tenants a better chance at recovering their money when they leave.
7. Retaliating Against Tenants for Complaining
It is now illegal in many jurisdictions for landlords to retaliate against tenants who report code violations, join a tenant union, or assert their legal rights. Retaliation might include raising rent, threatening eviction, or reducing services after a tenant files a legitimate complaint. Laws protecting tenants from retaliation are designed to encourage them to speak up about unsafe or unfair conditions without fear. In some places, any negative action taken shortly after a complaint is presumed to be retaliatory unless the landlord can prove otherwise. This shift empowers tenants to be more vocal about their rights and safety.
8. Rejecting Tenants Based on Criminal History Without Consideration
Landlords used to have wide latitude to deny applicants with criminal records, but new fair housing guidance and local laws are changing that. Blanket bans on anyone with a criminal history are increasingly seen as discriminatory, especially because of their disproportionate impact on communities of color. Now, landlords must assess applicants individually and consider factors like the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. In many places, landlords cannot even ask about criminal history until later in the application process. These changes aim to give everyone a fair shot at stable housing.
9. Charging Illegal Fees or Hidden Costs
Landlords are now under tighter scrutiny when it comes to extra fees that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Many jurisdictions have passed laws requiring clear disclosures of all fees up front, including application fees, late rent fees, and pet charges. Hidden charges that were once added onto lease agreements without explanation are now subject to regulation. Some cities and states cap the amount that can be charged or ban certain types of fees entirely. Transparency is no longer just a courtesy—it’s a legal requirement.
10. Denying Housing to Families with Children
While it has always been illegal to discriminate against families under the federal Fair Housing Act, enforcement is now more proactive and focused. Landlords are being held accountable for using subtle tactics to exclude families, such as setting arbitrary occupancy limits or claiming children will “disturb neighbors.” New guidance from housing agencies is making it harder for landlords to disguise discrimination behind seemingly neutral policies. In some areas, laws now require housing providers to be more flexible about accommodations for families, especially in apartment complexes. These efforts are ensuring that families with children aren’t shut out of housing opportunities.
Know Your Rights As A Tenant
Tenant protections are stronger than ever, and landlords who ignore the law do so at their own risk. As new housing laws continue to emerge, renters should stay informed and ready to stand up for their rights. What once felt like a one-sided game is becoming more balanced, thanks to legislation aimed at fairness, safety, and dignity.
Everyone deserves a stable, secure place to live—and the law is finally catching up to that truth. If any of these landlord behaviors sound familiar, share your experience or thoughts in the comments below.
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