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Housing Law
There are many different aspects of housing that are protected under the law. People may feel taken advantage of and not know they can stand up for themselves. Learn more about your rights as a tenant and homeowner and how you can protect yourself.
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A landlord has the legal duty to provide tenants with a safe, sanitary, and reasonably comfortable living space. If your concerns have been voiced to your landlord and an extended period has passed, you can use the warranty of habitability. This gives you three options if the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs.
1. End your lease and move with no further need to pay rent
2. Make repairs yourself and deduct the cost of repairs from future rent
3. Withhold rent until problems are fixed
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Public housing can be an incredible asset if you are struggling financially. However, some rules and guidelines must be followed to qualify for public housing. The tenants usually report their income to their housing manager once a year, and the manager changes the rent as needed. Learn about the rules and steps to stay under your public housing contract.
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Public and subsidized housing are both beneficial, however, each has its own unique setup. Understanding these differences is essential so the tenant and landlord understand what they are signing up for. When applying for these programs, there are several factors that you need to qualify for. To learn more about the options for housing in your county, contact the numbers provided in this pdf.
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Landlords are limited by how much they can request and what they can do with a tenant's security deposit. If a tenant wants to recover their security deposit, follow the steps and send a letter to the landlord requesting your deposit. They are obligated to send your security deposit back within 30 days and must send a written explanation as to why parts of the deposit are not being returned. Understanding your security deposit will decrease the likelihood of your landlord taking advantage of your situation.
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Difficulties in paying mortgages can cause a lot of stress in a person's life. If payments continue to not be paid, lenders might try to take the property back.
Situations happen that you can't always control, so learn how you can avoid mortgage foreclosure during these difficult times in your life. There are many ways to avoid foreclosure, so be proactive and prevent foreclosure on your home.
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The Manufactured Home Community Rights Act protects your rights as a mobile homeowner. There are many areas where you have protections against those that try to take advantage of you, including eviction and community rules and regulations.
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The Magisterial District Court includes a locally elected official who decides civil lawsuits. If someone owes you money, it will be dealt with in this court. The most common reasons are the return of security deposits and the property value a landlord refuses to give back after the tenant moves. Learn the ins and outs of the Magisterial District Court so you aren't caught off guard during your trial.
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Understanding how the cases unfold in the courtroom is essential so you aren't thrown off at any point. Court can be a nerve-wracking experience, so understanding the ins and outs of the situation is crucial. Knowing what to have prepared can help you defend your case.
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Landlords need to follow specific guidelines when evicting a tenant. If a landlord tries to evict without following these rules, the tenant can contact the Office of Consumer Protection for assistance. The matter could be taken to court if the situation was not correctly handled. Learn more about your rights as a tenant and how you can defend yourself.
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Tenants legally have the right to enjoy the property they rent peacefully; learn what and what does not qualify as a breach of this right.
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There is a number of resources available to you if you are facing eviction. Whether you need immediate temporary shelter or money to help stop an eviction, Northwest Legal Services is here for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warranty of Habitability?
The Warranty of Habitability is a legal doctrine that requires landlords to maintain livable conditions in a rental property. This includes providing heat, water, and a structurally safe environment.
How do I qualify for public housing?
How can I get my security deposit back from my landlord?
What rights do I have in a manufactured home community?
How do I file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Court?
What are the rules for eviction by a landlord?
Apply for Legal Help Now
You can start an application for legal help from Northwestern Legal Services by answering some questions.
However, you will not be a client of Northwestern Legal Services unless we contact you and tell you that your case is accepted.
However, you will not be a client of Northwestern Legal Services unless we contact you and tell you that your case is accepted.
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