Tenant lawyer, also called ‘tenants’ rights lawyers’, are legal professionals who assist clients with issues pertaining to rental contracts and tenancies. A tenancy is the contractual arrangement between a tenant and landlord in which the tenant agrees to rent property from the landlord for a fee in return for certain rights of the owner of the property. Tenancy is a legal concept in real estate law which can be defined as a type of estate. The rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords are established by contract, including any statutory obligations such as warranties for common areas or maintenance of fixtures or appliances, which vary from piece to piece.
What tenants need to know about tenancies
Although tenants are granted certain rights to protect them, they may not always be aware of the legal implications of their status. There are several things that tenants need to know about their rights in order to avoid conflict or unpleasant surprises with landlords and property owners. Tenants also need to familiarize themselves with relevant procedures for dispute resolution in cases of breach of the agreement by the landlord, such as grievances and complaints before going to court.
The rights of a tenant
Tenants have several legal rights that they should be aware of. A tenant can expect their landlord to provide a well maintained property in good condition and in compliance with current housing standards. Residential tenants are legally entitled to a dwelling that is safe from hazards, which includes gas leaks, lead paint, plumbing problems and heating malfunctions. If you feel your safety or health has been compromised due to defects in the property you live in, contact an attorney for advice on how to proceed with repairs or contract termination if necessary.
Also referred to as residential lease agreements , tenancies come about when one party (the “Landlord”) grants another (the “Tenant”) the right to use and occupy property, usually for a period of time. The landlord retains full rights to the property including collecting rent, allowing other persons on-site for repairs or other purposes, entering the property at any given time for inspection purposes etc
A tenant’s responsibilities are mainly comprised by clauses that outline obligations toward their landlords. A common clause found in rental agreements is that of non-disturbance, which states that tenants will not cause damage to the rented premises during their stay there. Also commonly included are clauses pertaining to the payment of rent once it has fallen due, as well as maintenance of fixtures and appliances within or attached to the property so long as they do not compromise privacy or increase risk of harm to life or property.
The laws pertaining to tenancies vary from one country to the next. Common law jurisdictions tend to follow English law, which grants tenants tenure for a period of six years, whereas civil law jurisdictions are governed by legal codes that favor landlords. It is important to know the laws of your jurisdiction before beginning a rental agreement with someone else, as it can have major implications if you are aware of certain rights but fail to exercise them at any point during the tenure of the agreement. If you need help understanding your responsibilities and rights as a tenant, you can consult an attorney specializing in tenants’ rights