{ "name": "Renter Protection answer catalog", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/answers.json", "lastReviewed": "2026-09-08", "disclaimer": "Educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. Do not invent deadlines from this file.", "answers": [ { "slug": "is-a-landlord-notice-an-eviction", "q": "Is a landlord notice the same as being evicted?", "a": "No. A landlord notice is usually a step before a court case — not a judgment and not a lockout. If the paper names a court, a case number, or an appearance date, a case has been filed. Date it, keep the original, and call legal aid the same day.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "No. A landlord notice is usually a step before a court case — not a judgment and not a lockout. If the paper names a court, a case number, or an appearance date, a case has been filed. Date it, keep the original, and call legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "what-should-i-do-if-i-get-an-eviction-notice", "q": "What should I do if I get an eviction notice?", "a": "Treat it as time-sensitive, not as the end of the story. A landlord notice is usually a step — not a judgment and not a lockout. Keep the original, write when and how it arrived, and look for a court name. If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. That help is free, and it is not behind a sign-up on this desk.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Treat it as time-sensitive, not as the end of the story. A landlord notice is usually a step — not a judgment and not a lockout. Keep the original, write when and how it arrived, and look for a court name. If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. That help is free, and it is not behind a sign-up on this desk." }, { "slug": "is-there-a-national-tenant-rights-law-in-the-united-states", "q": "Is there a national tenant-rights law in the United States?", "a": "No single national landlord–tenant code sets notice periods, deposits, or repair timelines. Federal law is mostly a floor around discrimination and consumer protection. State law supplies the main rules; cities may add more; your lease fills the rest. That is why this site routes you to your state instead of publishing one number for the country.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No single national landlord–tenant code sets notice periods, deposits, or repair timelines. Federal law is mostly a floor around discrimination and consumer protection. State law supplies the main rules; cities may add more; your lease fills the rest. That is why this site routes you to your state instead of publishing one number for the country." }, { "slug": "how-do-i-find-free-legal-help-as-a-renter", "q": "How do I find free legal help as a renter?", "a": "LawHelp.org lists legal-aid offices by state. Dial 211 for local services in many languages. If you have court papers, call legal aid the same day and ask about walk-in or self-help hours at the courthouse. Those resources are free and are never behind a sign-up on this site.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "LawHelp.org lists legal-aid offices by state. Dial 211 for local services in many languages. If you have court papers, call legal aid the same day and ask about walk-in or self-help hours at the courthouse. Those resources are free and are never behind a sign-up on this site." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-enter-without-notice", "q": "Can my landlord enter without notice?", "a": "Entry rules are state — and sometimes city — questions, and they often differ for emergencies, repairs, and showings. This site does not invent a national hour-count. Open your state page for the official statute, check your lease, and write down any entry you believe was improper.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Entry rules are state — and sometimes city — questions, and they often differ for emergencies, repairs, and showings. This site does not invent a national hour-count. Open your state page for the official statute, check your lease, and write down any entry you believe was improper." }, { "slug": "how-do-i-get-my-security-deposit-back", "q": "How do I get my security deposit back?", "a": "Most states set a deadline and allowable deductions in statute, and the details vary widely. Document the unit at move-in and move-out, return keys the way the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address. Confirm the rule on your state page or with legal aid before sending a demand.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Most states set a deadline and allowable deductions in statute, and the details vary widely. Document the unit at move-in and move-out, return keys the way the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address. Confirm the rule on your state page or with legal aid before sending a demand." }, { "slug": "does-renter-protection-give-legal-advice", "q": "Does Renter Protection give legal advice?", "a": "No. This is general educational information, not legal advice, and we are not a law firm. We do not review your papers or tell you what to do in your case. When a lawyer is needed, we say so and point you to free legal aid.", "href": "/", "topic": "home", "cluster": "home", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/", "takeaways": [ "Answer first, then the official source.", "State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. This is general educational information, not legal advice, and we are not a law firm. We do not review your papers or tell you what to do in your case. When a lawyer is needed, we say so and point you to free legal aid." }, { "slug": "what-number-should-i-call-right-now", "q": "What number should I call right now?", "a": "If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988. For domestic violence, 1-800-799-7233. For local rent, shelter, food, or utilities, dial 211. For court papers, start with LawHelp.org the same day.", "href": "/help", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988. For domestic violence, 1-800-799-7233. For local rent, shelter, food, or utilities, dial 211. For court papers, start with LawHelp.org the same day." }, { "slug": "is-legal-aid-actually-free", "q": "Is legal aid actually free?", "a": "Legal-aid offices are free for people who qualify. They have eligibility rules and limited capacity. Call early, ask what to bring, and ask for a referral if they cannot take the case. This site never charges to show you those numbers.", "href": "/help", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Legal-aid offices are free for people who qualify. They have eligibility rules and limited capacity. Call early, ask what to bring, and ask for a referral if they cannot take the case. This site never charges to show you those numbers." }, { "slug": "do-i-need-an-account-to-use-this-help-page", "q": "Do I need an account to use this help page?", "a": "No. Emergency numbers, 211, and legal aid links are ungated. If a site asks you to subscribe before showing a crisis line, leave it.", "href": "/help", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Emergency numbers, 211, and legal aid links are ungated. If a site asks you to subscribe before showing a crisis line, leave it." }, { "slug": "is-there-a-national-renters-rights-law-in-the-united-states", "q": "Is there a national renters' rights law in the United States?", "a": "No single one. Federal law mostly covers discrimination, consumer reporting, debt collection, and subsidized housing programs. The rules renters ask about most — notice periods, deposits, repairs, entry, eviction — come from state law, with cities and counties sometimes adding more.", "href": "/rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No single one. Federal law mostly covers discrimination, consumer reporting, debt collection, and subsidized housing programs. The rules renters ask about most — notice periods, deposits, repairs, entry, eviction — come from state law, with cities and counties sometimes adding more." }, { "slug": "which-matters-more-my-state-law-or-my-city-rules", "q": "Which matters more, my state law or my city rules?", "a": "Both apply. State law is generally the floor and local rules can add protections on top of it, though some states limit what cities may regulate. If your city has a rent board or housing department, checking with them is the only way to know whether a local rule covers your address.", "href": "/rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Both apply. State law is generally the floor and local rules can add protections on top of it, though some states limit what cities may regulate. If your city has a rent board or housing department, checking with them is the only way to know whether a local rule covers your address." }, { "slug": "can-my-lease-take-away-my-rights", "q": "Can my lease take away my rights?", "a": "A lease generally cannot remove a right the law gives, but which rights can be waived differs by state, and a clause appearing in a lease does not by itself settle whether it is enforceable. Bring the specific clause to legal aid rather than assuming either way.", "href": "/rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "A lease generally cannot remove a right the law gives, but which rights can be waived differs by state, and a clause appearing in a lease does not by itself settle whether it is enforceable. Bring the specific clause to legal aid rather than assuming either way." }, { "slug": "why-does-this-site-not-just-tell-me-the-rule-for-my-state", "q": "Why does this site not just tell me the rule for my state?", "a": "Because getting it wrong is worse than not answering. These rules are amended often and differ by housing type and city. We link the statute the legislature publishes and the legal-aid office that reads it daily, rather than publishing a summary that may already be out of date.", "href": "/rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Because getting it wrong is worse than not answering. These rules are amended often and differ by housing type and city. We link the statute the legislature publishes and the legal-aid office that reads it daily, rather than publishing a summary that may already be out of date." }, { "slug": "is-the-fair-housing-act-the-same-as-a-tenants-bill-of-rights", "q": "Is the Fair Housing Act the same as a tenants bill of rights?", "a": "No. The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law HUD enforces. The National Tenants Bill of Rights is a campaign document. One already binds landlords. The other describes what advocates want Congress to pass.", "href": "/rights/fair-housing", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/fair-housing", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law HUD enforces. The National Tenants Bill of Rights is a campaign document. One already binds landlords. The other describes what advocates want Congress to pass." }, { "slug": "what-classes-does-the-fair-housing-act-protect", "q": "What classes does the Fair Housing Act protect?", "a": "HUD lists seven: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. States and cities often add more. Confirm extras where you live. This desk does not invent a local class list.", "href": "/rights/fair-housing", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/fair-housing", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "HUD lists seven: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. States and cities often add more. Confirm extras where you live. This desk does not invent a local class list." }, { "slug": "how-do-i-file-a-fair-housing-complaint", "q": "How do I file a fair housing complaint?", "a": "Use HUD’s form at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination. Keep dates and copies. A local fair-housing organization can often take the same facts. Filing is free. Anyone who charges you to file a HUD complaint is a reason to leave.", "href": "/rights/fair-housing", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/fair-housing", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Use HUD’s form at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination. Keep dates and copies. A local fair-housing organization can often take the same facts. Filing is free. Anyone who charges you to file a HUD complaint is a reason to leave." }, { "slug": "does-a-fair-housing-complaint-stop-an-eviction", "q": "Does a fair housing complaint stop an eviction?", "a": "Not by itself. A possession case keeps its own clock. Call legal aid the same day if a court is named, and file the discrimination complaint on its own track.", "href": "/rights/fair-housing", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/fair-housing", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Not by itself. A possession case keeps its own clock. Call legal aid the same day if a court is named, and file the discrimination complaint on its own track." }, { "slug": "is-the-national-tenants-bill-of-rights-a-law", "q": "Is the National Tenants Bill of Rights a law?", "a": "No. It is a proposal published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Their materials say “when enacted.” The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law. Your state’s landlord-tenant chapter is enacted state law.", "href": "/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. It is a proposal published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Their materials say “when enacted.” The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law. Your state’s landlord-tenant chapter is enacted state law." }, { "slug": "does-the-bill-of-rights-give-me-just-cause-eviction-protection", "q": "Does the Bill of Rights give me just-cause eviction protection?", "a": "Not by itself. Some states and cities already have just-cause or good-cause rules for some units. Coverage is an address question. Confirm on your city desk or with legal aid. Do not treat the campaign heading as coverage.", "href": "/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Not by itself. Some states and cities already have just-cause or good-cause rules for some units. Coverage is an address question. Confirm on your city desk or with legal aid. Do not treat the campaign heading as coverage." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-read-the-actual-proposal", "q": "Where do I read the actual proposal?", "a": "NLIHC hosts the bill, the factsheet, and the section summaries at nlihc.org/national-tenants-bill-rights. That is the primary source for the campaign. It is not the primary source for your lease.", "href": "/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "NLIHC hosts the bill, the factsheet, and the section summaries at nlihc.org/national-tenants-bill-rights. That is the primary source for the campaign. It is not the primary source for your lease." }, { "slug": "what-should-i-do-tonight-if-i-have-a-notice", "q": "What should I do tonight if I have a notice?", "a": "Ignore the campaign PDF for the evening. Keep the paper. If it names a court, call legal aid the same day. Open your state page on this desk for the official chapter.", "href": "/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tenants-bill-of-rights", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Ignore the campaign PDF for the evening. Keep the paper. If it names a court, call legal aid the same day. Open your state page on this desk for the official chapter." }, { "slug": "should-i-call-211-or-legal-aid", "q": "Should I call 211 or legal aid?", "a": "211 is for local services — rent, shelter, food, utilities. Legal aid is for court papers and legal problems. If the paper names a court, legal aid first. You can call both.", "href": "/rights/which-door", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-door", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "211 is for local services — rent, shelter, food, utilities. Legal aid is for court papers and legal problems. If the paper names a court, legal aid first. You can call both." }, { "slug": "is-stay-housed-la-the-same-as-lahd", "q": "Is Stay Housed LA the same as LAHD?", "a": "No. Stay Housed LA is eviction defense. LAHD administers local rent and just-cause ordinances and inspects conditions. Housing Rights Center is fair housing. Match the paper to the door.", "href": "/rights/which-door", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-door", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed LA is eviction defense. LAHD administers local rent and just-cause ordinances and inspects conditions. Housing Rights Center is fair housing. Match the paper to the door." }, { "slug": "is-oregon-cat-the-same-as-oregonrentersrights-org", "q": "Is Oregon CAT the same as oregonrentersrights.org?", "a": "No. Community Alliance of Tenants is a tenants union. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub. 211info.org is regional 211. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Four different things.", "href": "/rights/which-door", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-door", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Community Alliance of Tenants is a tenants union. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub. 211info.org is regional 211. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Four different things." }, { "slug": "can-hud-stop-my-eviction", "q": "Can HUD stop my eviction?", "a": "A fair-housing complaint does not, by itself, pause a possession case. Call legal aid the same day if a court is named. File the HUD complaint on its own track if discrimination is also the problem.", "href": "/rights/which-door", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-door", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "A fair-housing complaint does not, by itself, pause a possession case. Call legal aid the same day if a court is named. File the HUD complaint on its own track if discrimination is also the problem." }, { "slug": "do-i-need-a-special-app-to-document-a-landlord-problem", "q": "Do I need a special app to document a landlord problem?", "a": "No. Paper, a folder, and photos on your phone are a tool. An app is optional. Rights do not wait on an account.", "href": "/rights/documentation", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/documentation", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. Paper, a folder, and photos on your phone are a tool. An app is optional. Rights do not wait on an account." }, { "slug": "is-a-text-message-enough-notice-to-my-landlord", "q": "Is a text message enough notice to my landlord?", "a": "Sometimes a text helps prove you asked. Many state chapters still want written notice you can produce later. Send both if you can, and keep copies. Confirm the chapter for your state.", "href": "/rights/documentation", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/documentation", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Sometimes a text helps prove you asked. Many state chapters still want written notice you can produce later. Send both if you can, and keep copies. Confirm the chapter for your state." }, { "slug": "what-if-i-already-threw-the-notice-away", "q": "What if I already threw the notice away?", "a": "Write down what you remember: the date, how it arrived, what it said, whether a court was named. Photograph anything that is left. Call legal aid if you think a court date is running. A reconstructed log is weaker than the original and still better than nothing.", "href": "/rights/documentation", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/documentation", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Write down what you remember: the date, how it arrived, what it said, whether a court was named. Photograph anything that is left. Call legal aid if you think a court date is running. A reconstructed log is weaker than the original and still better than nothing." }, { "slug": "should-i-record-a-conversation-with-my-landlord", "q": "Should I record a conversation with my landlord?", "a": "Recording laws differ by state. Do not assume it is allowed. A dated written log of what was said is legal everywhere. Ask legal aid before you record.", "href": "/rights/documentation", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/documentation", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Recording laws differ by state. Do not assume it is allowed. A dated written log of what was said is legal everywhere. Ask legal aid before you record." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-take-the-file", "q": "Where do I take the file?", "a": "If a court is named: legal aid the same day. If the unit is unsafe: the city housing or health department, plus the written request to the landlord. If the harm is discrimination: HUD and a local fair-housing group. 211 for rent, shelter, and utilities.", "href": "/rights/documentation", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/documentation", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "If a court is named: legal aid the same day. If the unit is unsafe: the city housing or health department, plus the written request to the landlord. If the harm is discrimination: HUD and a local fair-housing group. 211 for rent, shelter, and utilities." }, { "slug": "is-oregonrentersrights-org-the-official-oregon-statute", "q": "Is oregonrentersrights.org the official Oregon statute?", "a": "No. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help hub with handbooks and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. Useful. Not the law.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help hub with handbooks and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. Useful. Not the law." }, { "slug": "is-community-alliance-of-tenants-the-same-as-legal-aid", "q": "Is Community Alliance of Tenants the same as legal aid?", "a": "No. CAT is a tenants union. They educate, organize, and publish a hotline. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. An FED with a court name is legal aid the same day.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. CAT is a tenants union. They educate, organize, and publish a hotline. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. An FED with a court name is legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "is-211info-org-the-same-as-211-org", "q": "Is 211info.org the same as 211.org?", "a": "211info.org is the regional 211 operator for Oregon and southwest Washington. 211.org is the national locator. Dialing 211 in Oregon still works. Neither one is a lawyer.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "211info.org is the regional 211 operator for Oregon and southwest Washington. 211.org is the national locator. Dialing 211 in Oregon still works. Neither one is a lawyer." }, { "slug": "what-is-an-fed-in-oregon", "q": "What is an FED in Oregon?", "a": "Forcible entry and detainer — the circuit-court case to recover possession. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case. Legal aid the same day.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Forcible entry and detainer — the circuit-court case to recover possession. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case. Legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "does-oregon-have-statewide-just-cause-or-rent-rules", "q": "Does Oregon have statewide just-cause or rent rules?", "a": "Oregon is unusual: some rent and termination rules operate statewide in ORS Chapter 90, including overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. What is in force for this address is a now-question. Read the current statute. Portland adds more.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Oregon is unusual: some rent and termination rules operate statewide in ORS Chapter 90, including overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. What is in force for this address is a now-question. Read the current statute. Portland adds more." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-if-i-have-an-oregon-eviction-notice", "q": "Where do I start if I have an Oregon eviction notice?", "a": "Keep the paper. Look for a court name. If a court is named, Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a landlord notice, still date it and read CAT or oregonrentersrights.org handbooks — then confirm Chapter 90. 211info if you also need rent or shelter.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. Look for a court name. If a court is named, Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a landlord notice, still date it and read CAT or oregonrentersrights.org handbooks — then confirm Chapter 90. 211info if you also need rent or shelter." }, { "slug": "where-do-oregon-sample-letters-live", "q": "Where do Oregon sample letters live?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes repair, move-out, and deposit samples on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. oregonrentersrights.org publishes handbooks and letters. This classroom points. It does not host a copy.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes repair, move-out, and deposit samples on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. oregonrentersrights.org publishes handbooks and letters. This classroom points. It does not host a copy." }, { "slug": "is-the-fair-housing-council-of-oregon-the-same-as-cat", "q": "Is the Fair Housing Council of Oregon the same as CAT?", "a": "No. FHCO takes discrimination. CAT is a tenants union. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. Three doors.", "href": "/help/oregon", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. FHCO takes discrimination. CAT is a tenants union. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. Three doors." }, { "slug": "is-stay-housed-la-the-same-as-the-los-angeles-housing-department", "q": "Is Stay Housed LA the same as the Los Angeles Housing Department?", "a": "No. Stay Housed LA is an eviction-defense network — workshops and lawyers for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization, just-cause, and complaints. LAHD’s own page points eviction cases to Stay Housed.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed LA is an eviction-defense network — workshops and lawyers for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization, just-cause, and complaints. LAHD’s own page points eviction cases to Stay Housed." }, { "slug": "can-housing-rights-center-stop-my-eviction", "q": "Can Housing Rights Center stop my eviction?", "a": "HRC is a fair-housing organization. Discrimination is their door. An unlawful detainer is Stay Housed LA or legal aid. If both are happening, you may need both doors — they are still not the same office.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "HRC is a fair-housing organization. Discrimination is their door. An unlawful detainer is Stay Housed LA or legal aid. If both are happening, you may need both doors — they are still not the same office." }, { "slug": "is-my-los-angeles-unit-under-rent-control", "q": "Is my Los Angeles unit under rent control?", "a": "That is an address question LAHD answers. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance does not cover every unit. This desk does not guess from a ZIP code.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "That is an address question LAHD answers. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance does not cover every unit. This desk does not guess from a ZIP code." }, { "slug": "should-i-follow-the-covid-eviction-rules-on-lahd-s-highlights-page", "q": "Should I follow the COVID eviction rules on LAHD’s highlights page?", "a": "Not blindly. That page still names 2020 emergency ordinances. Confirm with LAHD what is in force for this unit now. We do not reprint those rules here.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Not blindly. That page still names 2020 emergency ordinances. Confirm with LAHD what is in force for this unit now. We do not reprint those rules here." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-file-a-housing-discrimination-complaint-in-los-angeles", "q": "Where do I file a housing-discrimination complaint in Los Angeles?", "a": "HUD at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination, and Housing Rights Center locally. You can often use both. That is not the eviction clinic.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "HUD at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination, and Housing Rights Center locally. You can often use both. That is not the eviction clinic." }, { "slug": "which-housing-rights-center-clinics-are-in-los-angeles-county", "q": "Which Housing Rights Center clinics are in Los Angeles County?", "a": "On 8 September 2026 their get-help page listed Alhambra, Carson, El Monte, Inglewood, Lakewood, and Palmdale. Clinics move. Confirm with HRC. An eviction notice is still Stay Housed LA.", "href": "/help/los-angeles", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/los-angeles", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "On 8 September 2026 their get-help page listed Alhambra, Carson, El Monte, Inglewood, Lakewood, and Palmdale. Clinics move. Confirm with HRC. An eviction notice is still Stay Housed LA." }, { "slug": "should-i-call-211-or-legal-aid-for-an-eviction-notice", "q": "Should I call 211 or legal aid for an eviction notice?", "a": "If the paper names a court, a case number, or an appearance date: legal aid the same day. Call 211 as well if you also need rent, shelter, food, or utilities. 211 does not appear in court.", "href": "/help/211", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/211", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "If the paper names a court, a case number, or an appearance date: legal aid the same day. Call 211 as well if you also need rent, shelter, food, or utilities. 211 does not appear in court." }, { "slug": "can-211-stop-my-eviction", "q": "Can 211 stop my eviction?", "a": "No. 211 refers you to local services. A possession case is legal aid and, in some cities, an eviction-defense network such as Stay Housed LA. Keep the paper.", "href": "/help/211", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/211", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. 211 refers you to local services. A possession case is legal aid and, in some cities, an eviction-defense network such as Stay Housed LA. Keep the paper." }, { "slug": "is-211-free", "q": "Is 211 free?", "a": "The call is free. The programs 211 names may have their own eligibility rules. Confirm with the program, not with this classroom.", "href": "/help/211", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/211", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "The call is free. The programs 211 names may have their own eligibility rules. Confirm with the program, not with this classroom." }, { "slug": "what-if-i-am-outside-oregon", "q": "What if I am outside Oregon?", "a": "Dial 211 or use 211.org to find the operator for your address. The job is the same: local services, not the court docket.", "href": "/help/211", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/211", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Dial 211 or use 211.org to find the operator for your address. The job is the same: local services, not the court docket." }, { "slug": "does-211-take-housing-discrimination-complaints", "q": "Does 211 take housing-discrimination complaints?", "a": "No. HUD and a local fair-housing organization take those. 211 may still help with shelter or rent while that complaint is pending.", "href": "/help/211", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/211", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. HUD and a local fair-housing organization take those. 211 may still help with shelter or rent while that complaint is pending." }, { "slug": "should-i-file-with-hud-or-a-local-fair-housing-group", "q": "Should I file with HUD or a local fair-housing group?", "a": "You can often use both. HUD is the federal door. A local group such as Housing Rights Center or the Fair Housing Council of Oregon may take extra state classes and a faster intake. Filing is free.", "href": "/help/fair-housing-complaint", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/fair-housing-complaint", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "You can often use both. HUD is the federal door. A local group such as Housing Rights Center or the Fair Housing Council of Oregon may take extra state classes and a faster intake. Filing is free." }, { "slug": "does-a-hud-complaint-pause-my-eviction", "q": "Does a HUD complaint pause my eviction?", "a": "No. A fair-housing complaint does not, by itself, pause a possession case. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. File the discrimination complaint on its own track.", "href": "/help/fair-housing-complaint", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/fair-housing-complaint", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. A fair-housing complaint does not, by itself, pause a possession case. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. File the discrimination complaint on its own track." }, { "slug": "is-housing-rights-center-the-same-as-stay-housed-la", "q": "Is Housing Rights Center the same as Stay Housed LA?", "a": "No. HRC is fair housing. Stay Housed LA is eviction defense. HRC’s own get-help page points eviction notices to Stay Housed. HUD is the federal floor under both.", "href": "/help/fair-housing-complaint", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/fair-housing-complaint", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. HRC is fair housing. Stay Housed LA is eviction defense. HRC’s own get-help page points eviction notices to Stay Housed. HUD is the federal floor under both." }, { "slug": "how-do-i-file", "q": "How do I file?", "a": "Write the dates. Keep the listing and the messages. Open HUD’s form at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination. Call a local fair-housing group if you have one. If a court date is also on the paper, legal aid the same day.", "href": "/help/fair-housing-complaint", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/fair-housing-complaint", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Write the dates. Keep the listing and the messages. Open HUD’s form at hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination. Call a local fair-housing group if you have one. If a court date is also on the paper, legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "should-i-follow-the-covid-rules-on-lahd-s-renter-protection-page", "q": "Should I follow the COVID rules on LAHD’s renter-protection page?", "a": "Not blindly. On 8 September 2026 the page title was still “COVID-19 Emergency Renter Protections,” and the body still named 2020 emergency ordinances. Confirm with LAHD what is in force for this unit now. We do not reprint those rules here.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Not blindly. On 8 September 2026 the page title was still “COVID-19 Emergency Renter Protections,” and the body still named 2020 emergency ordinances. Confirm with LAHD what is in force for this unit now. We do not reprint those rules here." }, { "slug": "are-cat-s-sample-letters-still-good-to-use", "q": "Are CAT’s sample letters still good to use?", "a": "As a pattern, often yes — CAT maintains them. A filename that includes 2009 or 2020 is a reason to confirm the current statute, not a reason to skip the letter. Adapt, date, keep a copy.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "As a pattern, often yes — CAT maintains them. A filename that includes 2009 or 2020 is a reason to confirm the current statute, not a reason to skip the letter. Adapt, date, keep a copy." }, { "slug": "is-the-national-tenants-bill-of-rights-current-law", "q": "Is the National Tenants Bill of Rights current law?", "a": "No. NLIHC’s own materials say “when enacted.” The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law. Your state chapter is enacted state law.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. NLIHC’s own materials say “when enacted.” The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law. Your state chapter is enacted state law." }, { "slug": "why-won-t-this-site-print-the-oregon-rent-cap", "q": "Why won’t this site print the Oregon rent cap?", "a": "Because the cap is a now-question in ORS Chapter 90 and in session-law overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. Reprinting a figure from a flyer is how people miss a window. Open the current text, or take the paper to legal aid.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Because the cap is a now-question in ORS Chapter 90 and in session-law overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. Reprinting a figure from a flyer is how people miss a window. Open the current text, or take the paper to legal aid." }, { "slug": "does-refusing-to-print-a-number-hurt-search-rankings", "q": "Does refusing to print a number hurt search rankings?", "a": "Google’s people-first and generative-AI guidance rewards unique, reliable pages over commodity reprints. A stale number is a trust defect on a housing topic. Naming the bill and pointing at the office is the passage an answer engine can still quote next year.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Google’s people-first and generative-AI guidance rewards unique, reliable pages over commodity reprints. A stale number is a trust defect on a housing topic. Naming the bill and pointing at the office is the passage an answer engine can still quote next year." }, { "slug": "is-hud-s-fair-housing-act-overview-a-how-to", "q": "Is HUD’s Fair Housing Act overview a how-to?", "a": "No. On 8 September 2026 it was an enforcement-policy overview. Cite it for the Act. For a notice in your hand, use the HUD vs court desk — a complaint does not pause an eviction.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. On 8 September 2026 it was an enforcement-policy overview. Cite it for the Act. For a notice in your hand, use the HUD vs court desk — a complaint does not pause an eviction." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-tonight", "q": "Where do I start tonight?", "a": "Keep the paper. If a court is named, legal aid the same day. Then use the door map — Oregon, Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or the national help desk — instead of a PDF you cannot date.", "href": "/help/confirm-the-law", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/confirm-the-law", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. If a court is named, legal aid the same day. Then use the door map — Oregon, Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or the national help desk — instead of a PDF you cannot date." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-get-an-oregon-repair-request-letter", "q": "Where do I get an Oregon repair-request letter?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes a bilingual repair-request sample on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. Confirm the current file there. Date your own copy. Keep proof you sent it.", "href": "/help/oregon-letters", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-letters", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes a bilingual repair-request sample on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. Confirm the current file there. Date your own copy. Keep proof you sent it." }, { "slug": "can-i-use-a-cat-letter-from-2009", "q": "Can I use a CAT letter from 2009?", "a": "As a pattern, if CAT still publishes it. Put today’s date on your version. Confirm the current rule in ORS Chapter 90. A filename is not the law.", "href": "/help/oregon-letters", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-letters", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "As a pattern, if CAT still publishes it. Put today’s date on your version. Confirm the current rule in ORS Chapter 90. A filename is not the law." }, { "slug": "does-a-sample-letter-stop-an-eviction", "q": "Does a sample letter stop an eviction?", "a": "No. If the paper names a court, Oregon Law Help or the Eviction Defense Project the same day. A letter is still worth sending for repairs or deposits when no case has been filed.", "href": "/help/oregon-letters", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-letters", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. If the paper names a court, Oregon Law Help or the Eviction Defense Project the same day. A letter is still worth sending for repairs or deposits when no case has been filed." }, { "slug": "why-doesn-t-this-site-host-the-pdfs", "q": "Why doesn’t this site host the PDFs?", "a": "Because a hosted copy goes stale. CAT’s repair-request filename still includes 2009. Hosting it here would freeze a date. Pointing at CAT keeps the maintainer in charge.", "href": "/help/oregon-letters", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-letters", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Because a hosted copy goes stale. CAT’s repair-request filename still includes 2009. Hosting it here would freeze a date. Pointing at CAT keeps the maintainer in charge." }, { "slug": "what-should-i-write-down-besides-the-letter", "q": "What should I write down besides the letter?", "a": "The notice, the photos, the dates, and how you sent the letter. That file is already the case. See the documentation desk.", "href": "/help/oregon-letters", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-letters", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "The notice, the photos, the dates, and how you sent the letter. That file is already the case. See the documentation desk." }, { "slug": "is-hud-s-fair-housing-act-overview-a-how-to-for-a-landlord-notice", "q": "Is HUD’s Fair Housing Act overview a how-to for a landlord notice?", "a": "No. On 8 September 2026 that HUD page was an enforcement-policy overview with a complaint CTA. It does not tell you what to do with a notice tonight. Keep the paper. If a court is named, legal aid. If the harm is discrimination, HUD or a local fair-housing group.", "href": "/help/hud", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/hud", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. On 8 September 2026 that HUD page was an enforcement-policy overview with a complaint CTA. It does not tell you what to do with a notice tonight. Keep the paper. If a court is named, legal aid. If the harm is discrimination, HUD or a local fair-housing group." }, { "slug": "should-i-call-hud-or-a-local-fair-housing-group", "q": "Should I call HUD or a local fair-housing group?", "a": "If you can reach a local FHIP — Housing Rights Center in Los Angeles, Fair Housing Council of Oregon, and others — start there. They often dual-file. HUD is always available. A court date is still legal aid, not HUD.", "href": "/help/hud", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/hud", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "If you can reach a local FHIP — Housing Rights Center in Los Angeles, Fair Housing Council of Oregon, and others — start there. They often dual-file. HUD is always available. A court date is still legal aid, not HUD." }, { "slug": "is-the-fair-housing-act-the-same-as-the-national-tenants-bill-of-rights", "q": "Is the Fair Housing Act the same as the National Tenants Bill of Rights?", "a": "No. The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law HUD enforces. The National Tenants Bill of Rights is a campaign. NLIHC’s own materials say “when enacted.”", "href": "/help/hud", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/hud", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. The Fair Housing Act is enacted federal law HUD enforces. The National Tenants Bill of Rights is a campaign. NLIHC’s own materials say “when enacted.”" }, { "slug": "where-do-i-file", "q": "Where do I file?", "a": "HUD’s complaint page is the federal door. Confirm the current form there. A local fair-housing group can help you file. This classroom does not host a copy of the form.", "href": "/help/hud", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/hud", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "HUD’s complaint page is the federal door. Confirm the current form there. A local fair-housing group can help you file. This classroom does not host a copy of the form." }, { "slug": "is-311-the-same-as-housing-court", "q": "Is 311 the same as Housing Court?", "a": "No. 311 opens a City service request — heat, pests, no hot water, some lockouts. NYC Housing Court hears possession. Papers that name the court are a case. 311 will not appear for you.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. 311 opens a City service request — heat, pests, no hot water, some lockouts. NYC Housing Court hears possession. Papers that name the court are a case. 311 will not appear for you." }, { "slug": "does-an-hpd-complaint-stop-an-eviction", "q": "Does an HPD complaint stop an eviction?", "a": "No. HPD handles conditions under the Housing Maintenance Code. Possession is Housing Court. You can file both. They are still two doors.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. HPD handles conditions under the Housing Maintenance Code. Possession is Housing Court. You can file both. They are still two doors." }, { "slug": "is-my-nyc-apartment-rent-stabilized", "q": "Is my NYC apartment rent-stabilized?", "a": "That is a unit question for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, not a ZIP-code guess and not HPD. Ask HCR. This desk will not invent coverage.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "That is a unit question for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, not a ZIP-code guess and not HPD. Ask HCR. This desk will not invent coverage." }, { "slug": "does-new-york-city-have-a-right-to-a-lawyer-in-eviction-cases", "q": "Does New York City have a right to a lawyer in eviction cases?", "a": "The City has a right-to-counsel program for eligible tenants. Who is covered is a now-question. If Housing Court is named, ask legal aid and the courthouse that day. Do not wait.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "The City has a right-to-counsel program for eligible tenants. Who is covered is a now-question. If Housing Court is named, ask legal aid and the courthouse that day. Do not wait." }, { "slug": "is-hud-the-right-door-for-a-new-york-eviction", "q": "Is HUD the right door for a New York eviction?", "a": "HUD is the federal discrimination door. An eviction is Housing Court. If both are happening, you may need both. A HUD complaint does not pause the case.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "HUD is the federal discrimination door. An eviction is Housing Court. If both are happening, you may need both. A HUD complaint does not pause the case." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-tonight-with-a-notice-in-new-york-city", "q": "Where do I start tonight with a notice in New York City?", "a": "Keep the paper. Look for Housing Court, a case number, or a date. If a court is named, legal aid the same day. If it is conditions, 311 and HPD. If you think the unit is regulated, HCR — later, after the paper is dated.", "href": "/help/new-york", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. Look for Housing Court, a case number, or a date. If a court is named, legal aid the same day. If it is conditions, 311 and HPD. If you think the unit is regulated, HCR — later, after the paper is dated." }, { "slug": "is-the-chicago-rlto-the-same-as-illinois-landlord-tenant-law", "q": "Is the Chicago RLTO the same as Illinois landlord-tenant law?", "a": "No. Illinois is statewide. The RLTO is a City of Chicago ordinance that covers many — not all — Chicago rental units. Suburbs have their own rules. Ask the Department of Housing about this address.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Illinois is statewide. The RLTO is a City of Chicago ordinance that covers many — not all — Chicago rental units. Suburbs have their own rules. Ask the Department of Housing about this address." }, { "slug": "does-a-311-complaint-stop-a-cook-county-eviction", "q": "Does a 311 complaint stop a Cook County eviction?", "a": "No. 311 is conditions. Possession is the Circuit Court of Cook County. You can file both. They are still two doors.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. 311 is conditions. Possession is the Circuit Court of Cook County. You can file both. They are still two doors." }, { "slug": "is-stay-housed-la-the-chicago-eviction-clinic", "q": "Is Stay Housed LA the Chicago eviction clinic?", "a": "No. Stay Housed LA is a Los Angeles network. Chicago uses legal aid and the court. Do not call an LA number about a Cook County case.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed LA is a Los Angeles network. Chicago uses legal aid and the court. Do not call an LA number about a Cook County case." }, { "slug": "does-a-hud-complaint-pause-a-chicago-eviction", "q": "Does a HUD complaint pause a Chicago eviction?", "a": "No. HUD is federal discrimination. Cook County eviction is state court. File both if both apply. The complaint does not continue the case.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. HUD is federal discrimination. Cook County eviction is state court. File both if both apply. The complaint does not continue the case." }, { "slug": "is-my-chicago-unit-covered-by-the-rlto", "q": "Is my Chicago unit covered by the RLTO?", "a": "That is an address and building-type question for the Department of Housing. This desk will not guess from a ZIP code.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "That is an address and building-type question for the Department of Housing. This desk will not guess from a ZIP code." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-tonight-in-chicago", "q": "Where do I start tonight in Chicago?", "a": "Keep the paper. If Cook County Circuit Court is named, legal aid the same day. If it is heat or pests, 311. If it is “what does the RLTO say,” the Department of Housing — after the paper is dated.", "href": "/help/chicago", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/chicago", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. If Cook County Circuit Court is named, legal aid the same day. If it is heat or pests, 311. If it is “what does the RLTO say,” the Department of Housing — after the paper is dated." }, { "slug": "is-portland-rental-services-the-same-as-community-alliance-of-tenants", "q": "Is Portland Rental Services the same as Community Alliance of Tenants?", "a": "No. Rental Services is a City of Portland office. CAT is a tenants union. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Three different jobs.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Rental Services is a City of Portland office. CAT is a tenants union. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Three different jobs." }, { "slug": "is-oregonrentersrights-org-the-official-portland-page", "q": "Is oregonrentersrights.org the official Portland page?", "a": "No. It is a statewide self-help hub. It is not ORS Chapter 90 and not Portland Rental Services. Useful handbooks. Not the City overlay.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. It is a statewide self-help hub. It is not ORS Chapter 90 and not Portland Rental Services. Useful handbooks. Not the City overlay." }, { "slug": "what-is-an-fed-in-portland", "q": "What is an FED in Portland?", "a": "Forcible entry and detainer — the circuit-court case to recover possession. In Portland that is Multnomah County Circuit Court. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Forcible entry and detainer — the circuit-court case to recover possession. In Portland that is Multnomah County Circuit Court. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case." }, { "slug": "can-211info-stop-a-portland-eviction", "q": "Can 211info stop a Portland eviction?", "a": "No. 211info is 211 for Oregon and southwest Washington. It finds rent, shelter, food, utilities. It does not take an FED. Oregon Law Help is the court door.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. 211info is 211 for Oregon and southwest Washington. It finds rent, shelter, food, utilities. It does not take an FED. Oregon Law Help is the court door." }, { "slug": "does-oregon-just-cause-apply-in-portland", "q": "Does Oregon just-cause apply in Portland?", "a": "Oregon is unusual: some rent and termination rules operate statewide in Chapter 90, including overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. Portland adds more. What is in force for this address is a now-question. Read the current statute and ask Rental Services. We will not invent a cap.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Oregon is unusual: some rent and termination rules operate statewide in Chapter 90, including overlays CAT names as SB 608 and SB 611. Portland adds more. What is in force for this address is a now-question. Read the current statute and ask Rental Services. We will not invent a cap." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-tonight-in-portland", "q": "Where do I start tonight in Portland?", "a": "Keep the paper. If Multnomah County Circuit Court is named, Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a landlord notice, date it, then use CAT or oregonrentersrights.org as a classroom — and confirm Chapter 90. City overlay: Portland Rental Services. Services: 211info.", "href": "/help/portland", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/portland", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. If Multnomah County Circuit Court is named, Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a landlord notice, date it, then use CAT or oregonrentersrights.org as a classroom — and confirm Chapter 90. City overlay: Portland Rental Services. Services: 211info." }, { "slug": "is-the-eviction-defense-project-the-same-as-community-alliance-of-tenants", "q": "Is the Eviction Defense Project the same as Community Alliance of Tenants?", "a": "No. EDP is a legal-aid program of the Oregon Law Center. CAT is a tenants union. 211info is regional 211. Three doors.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. EDP is a legal-aid program of the Oregon Law Center. CAT is a tenants union. 211info is regional 211. Three doors." }, { "slug": "does-the-eviction-defense-project-pay-my-rent", "q": "Does the Eviction Defense Project pay my rent?", "a": "No. On 8 September 2026 their live page said they do not provide rental assistance and no longer partner with rent-assistance agencies. Older flyers that still describe them as EPRR intake can lag. Confirm on oregonlawcenter.org. Use 211info for services.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. On 8 September 2026 their live page said they do not provide rental assistance and no longer partner with rent-assistance agencies. Older flyers that still describe them as EPRR intake can lag. Confirm on oregonlawcenter.org. Use 211info for services." }, { "slug": "is-oregonrentersrights-org-the-eviction-defense-project", "q": "Is oregonrentersrights.org the Eviction Defense Project?", "a": "No. It is a handbook hub — branded with Legal Aid Services of Oregon on the handbooks page we opened — that points to EDP. LASO is not the Oregon Law Center. The pointer is useful. It is not the intake.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. It is a handbook hub — branded with Legal Aid Services of Oregon on the handbooks page we opened — that points to EDP. LASO is not the Oregon Law Center. The pointer is useful. It is not the intake." }, { "slug": "when-should-i-contact-the-eviction-defense-project", "q": "When should I contact the Eviction Defense Project?", "a": "If a court is named, before the first appearance. Their own page says eviction court moves fast and to reach them before that date. Confirm the current intake there. Show up even if you have not heard back.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "If a court is named, before the first appearance. Their own page says eviction court moves fast and to reach them before that date. Confirm the current intake there. Show up even if you have not heard back." }, { "slug": "can-211info-take-my-oregon-eviction-case", "q": "Can 211info take my Oregon eviction case?", "a": "No. 211info finds services. EDP or Oregon Law Help takes the FED. You can use both. They are still two calls.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. 211info finds services. EDP or Oregon Law Help takes the FED. You can use both. They are still two calls." }, { "slug": "what-if-i-only-have-a-landlord-notice-not-a-court-summons", "q": "What if I only have a landlord notice, not a court summons?", "a": "Keep it. Date it. That is not yet an FED. CAT or the oregonrentersrights.org handbook is a classroom. If a court is later named, switch doors the same day.", "href": "/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/oregon-eviction-defense", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep it. Date it. That is not yet an FED. CAT or the oregonrentersrights.org handbook is a classroom. If a court is later named, switch doors the same day." }, { "slug": "is-stay-housed-la-the-los-angeles-housing-department", "q": "Is Stay Housed LA the Los Angeles Housing Department?", "a": "No. Stay Housed is eviction defense — workshops and legal help for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization and complaints. Stay Housed’s own explainer says California state law controls the eviction process.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed is eviction defense — workshops and legal help for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization and complaints. Stay Housed’s own explainer says California state law controls the eviction process." }, { "slug": "does-stay-housed-decide-if-my-unit-is-under-the-rso", "q": "Does Stay Housed decide if my unit is under the RSO?", "a": "No. Coverage is an address question for LAHD. Stay Housed is the court door.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Coverage is an address question for LAHD. Stay Housed is the court door." }, { "slug": "why-does-housing-rights-center-send-evictions-to-stay-housed", "q": "Why does Housing Rights Center send evictions to Stay Housed?", "a": "Because HRC is fair housing, not the unlawful detainer docket. On 8 September 2026 their get-help page said to contact Stay Housed immediately if you have an eviction notice. Believe that map.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Because HRC is fair housing, not the unlawful detainer docket. On 8 September 2026 their get-help page said to contact Stay Housed immediately if you have an eviction notice. Believe that map." }, { "slug": "is-a-sheriff-lockout-notice-the-same-as-losing-in-court", "q": "Is a sheriff lockout notice the same as losing in court?", "a": "No. Stay Housed publishes a FAQ about a lockout notice after court. It is a different paper. Confirm the current process with them. Do not ignore it. We will not freeze a day-count.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed publishes a FAQ about a lockout notice after court. It is a different paper. Confirm the current process with them. Do not ignore it. We will not freeze a day-count." }, { "slug": "is-the-eviction-process-a-city-of-la-rule", "q": "Is the eviction process a City of LA rule?", "a": "Stay Housed says the process is controlled by California state law. The City adds overlays for covered units. Two layers. Do not skip the one that matches the paper.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Stay Housed says the process is controlled by California state law. The City adds overlays for covered units. Two layers. Do not skip the one that matches the paper." }, { "slug": "can-i-use-stay-housed-for-a-cook-county-or-multnomah-case", "q": "Can I use Stay Housed for a Cook County or Multnomah case?", "a": "No. Stay Housed LA is Los Angeles. Chicago uses legal aid and Cook County court. Portland uses the Eviction Defense Project or Oregon Law Help.", "href": "/help/stay-housed", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/stay-housed", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed LA is Los Angeles. Chicago uses legal aid and Cook County court. Portland uses the Eviction Defense Project or Oregon Law Help." }, { "slug": "is-a-manufactured-home-park-in-oregon-under-the-same-law-as-an-apartment", "q": "Is a manufactured-home park in Oregon under the same law as an apartment?", "a": "Not always. oregonrentersrights.org publishes a separate park guide next to its apartment-oriented landlord-tenant guide. Ask legal aid which rulebook applies to this space. We will not invent the chapter.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Not always. oregonrentersrights.org publishes a separate park guide next to its apartment-oriented landlord-tenant guide. Ask legal aid which rulebook applies to this space. We will not invent the chapter." }, { "slug": "can-i-use-a-cat-repair-letter-in-a-park", "q": "Can I use a CAT repair letter in a park?", "a": "As a dated written request, often yes. As the correct notice name or court process, maybe not. Confirm with the park guide or legal aid.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "As a dated written request, often yes. As the correct notice name or court process, maybe not. Confirm with the park guide or legal aid." }, { "slug": "does-the-eviction-defense-project-take-park-cases", "q": "Does the Eviction Defense Project take park cases?", "a": "If a court is named, reach them or Oregon Law Help and say it is a park. Do not assume an apartment FAQ covers the caption.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "If a court is named, reach them or Oregon Law Help and say it is a park. Do not assume an apartment FAQ covers the caption." }, { "slug": "is-oregonrentersrights-org-the-official-park-statute", "q": "Is oregonrentersrights.org the official park statute?", "a": "No. It is a handbook hub. The PDFs are a classroom. The current text lives in Oregon law. Their own page says the information is not legal advice.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. It is a handbook hub. The PDFs are a classroom. The current text lives in Oregon law. Their own page says the information is not legal advice." }, { "slug": "do-stay-housed-or-lahd-cover-an-oregon-park", "q": "Do Stay Housed or LAHD cover an Oregon park?", "a": "No. Those are Los Angeles doors. Use Oregon legal aid and the Oregon park guide.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. Those are Los Angeles doors. Use Oregon legal aid and the Oregon park guide." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-tonight-in-a-park", "q": "Where do I start tonight in a park?", "a": "Keep the paper. If a court is named, Eviction Defense Project or Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a park notice, date it, then open the manufactured-home-parks guide — and confirm the current law.", "href": "/help/manufactured-homes", "topic": "help", "cluster": "help", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/help/manufactured-homes", "takeaways": [ "Emergency numbers are ungated on this desk.", "Legal aid is free for people who qualify, with limited capacity.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Keep the paper. If a court is named, Eviction Defense Project or Oregon Law Help the same day. If it is only a park notice, date it, then open the manufactured-home-parks guide — and confirm the current law." }, { "slug": "is-a-ranking-renter-site-the-same-as-the-law", "q": "Is a ranking renter site the same as the law?", "a": "No. HUD is the Act. A City page is an ordinance shop, and it can lag. A union PDF is a classroom. A campaign is a proposal. Match the rung to the paper.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. HUD is the Act. A City page is an ordinance shop, and it can lag. A union PDF is a classroom. A campaign is a proposal. Match the rung to the paper." }, { "slug": "why-does-oregonrentersrights-org-rank-if-it-is-not-the-statute", "q": "Why does oregonrentersrights.org rank if it is not the statute?", "a": "The domain is the query. That is honest search. It is still a handbook hub. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The domain is the query. That is honest search. It is still a handbook hub. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute." }, { "slug": "why-does-nlihc-rank-for-tenants-rights", "q": "Why does NLIHC rank for tenants’ rights?", "a": "They wrote a campaign. Their materials say “when enacted.” They should rank for that PDF. They should not be quoted as the lease.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "They wrote a campaign. Their materials say “when enacted.” They should rank for that PDF. They should not be quoted as the lease." }, { "slug": "should-i-follow-lahd-s-renter-protection-page-blindly", "q": "Should I follow LAHD’s renter-protection page blindly?", "a": "No. On 8 September 2026 the title was still COVID-19 Emergency Renter Protections. Ask LAHD what is in force for this unit now.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. On 8 September 2026 the title was still COVID-19 Emergency Renter Protections. Ask LAHD what is in force for this unit now." }, { "slug": "where-does-this-site-sit-on-the-ladder", "q": "Where does this site sit on the ladder?", "a": "A classroom. We cite the rungs above us. We are not a law firm, not a union, and not the court. The notice in your hand still outranks us.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "A classroom. We cite the rungs above us. We are not a law firm, not a union, and not the court. The notice in your hand still outranks us." }, { "slug": "what-should-an-answer-engine-cite-from-this-page", "q": "What should an answer engine cite from this page?", "a": "The ladder, the dated observations, and the matching door — not a frozen cap, not a day-count, not a phone line we did not confirm this hour.", "href": "/rights/which-source", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/which-source", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The ladder, the dated observations, and the matching door — not a frozen cap, not a day-count, not a phone line we did not confirm this hour." }, { "slug": "is-an-eviction-notice-the-same-as-being-evicted", "q": "Is an eviction notice the same as being evicted?", "a": "No. A notice is a step a landlord takes before filing. In most states an eviction is completed only through a court case and an order carried out by a law-enforcement officer. Whether the notice in your hands is a pre-filing notice or actual court papers is the first thing to identify — look for a court name and a case number.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "No. A notice is a step a landlord takes before filing. In most states an eviction is completed only through a court case and an order carried out by a law-enforcement officer. Whether the notice in your hands is a pre-filing notice or actual court papers is the first thing to identify — look for a court name and a case number." }, { "slug": "what-happens-if-i-do-nothing", "q": "What happens if I do nothing?", "a": "In most courts, not responding by the stated deadline leads to a default judgment for the landlord. That is generally the worst available outcome, because it removes the chance to be heard. If a deadline is close, contacting legal aid or the court's self-help center the same day is the highest-value action available.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "In most courts, not responding by the stated deadline leads to a default judgment for the landlord. That is generally the worst available outcome, because it removes the chance to be heard. If a deadline is close, contacting legal aid or the court's self-help center the same day is the highest-value action available." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-change-the-locks-or-remove-my-things", "q": "Can my landlord change the locks or remove my things?", "a": "In most states a landlord may not carry out a removal personally, and lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings are treated separately from the court process. If this is happening now, it is an emergency: contact legal aid, the local court self-help center, or in an unsafe situation, emergency services.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "In most states a landlord may not carry out a removal personally, and lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings are treated separately from the court process. If this is happening now, it is an emergency: contact legal aid, the local court self-help center, or in an unsafe situation, emergency services." }, { "slug": "will-an-eviction-filing-show-up-on-my-record", "q": "Will an eviction filing show up on my record?", "a": "Court filings are generally public records in the United States, and tenant-screening companies commonly report them. Rules on what may be reported, and for how long, differ by state and by federal consumer-reporting law. A legal-aid office can explain what applies where you live.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Court filings are generally public records in the United States, and tenant-screening companies commonly report them. Rules on what may be reported, and for how long, differ by state and by federal consumer-reporting law. A legal-aid office can explain what applies where you live." }, { "slug": "do-i-need-a-lawyer", "q": "Do I need a lawyer?", "a": "Many tenants appear without one. But eviction is the situation where free legal help changes outcomes most, and in some cities tenants facing eviction have a right to counsel. Starting with LawHelp.org or 211 costs nothing and takes minutes.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Many tenants appear without one. But eviction is the situation where free legal help changes outcomes most, and in some cities tenants facing eviction have a right to counsel. Starting with LawHelp.org or 211 costs nothing and takes minutes." }, { "slug": "does-an-eviction-notice-work-the-same-in-every-state", "q": "Does an eviction notice work the same in every state?", "a": "No. What the notice must say, how long it runs, and how fast you must answer are state — and sometimes city — questions. This guide explains the sequence. Your state page names the official chapter. Legal aid applies it to the paper in your hand.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "No. What the notice must say, how long it runs, and how fast you must answer are state — and sometimes city — questions. This guide explains the sequence. Your state page names the official chapter. Legal aid applies it to the paper in your hand." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-eviction-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the eviction rule for my address?", "a": "Open Rights, search your state, and read the official statute and legal-aid links. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day — do not wait on a national chart.", "href": "/situations/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Open Rights, search your state, and read the official statute and legal-aid links. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day — do not wait on a national chart." }, { "slug": "is-there-a-legal-limit-on-how-much-my-rent-can-go-up", "q": "Is there a legal limit on how much my rent can go up?", "a": "Not nationally. Most U.S. renters live in places with no cap. A minority of cities and counties run rent-stabilization programs, and a few states have statewide rules for some housing types. Whether a limit applies to your specific unit is answered by your state's law plus any local rent board — not by a national number.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Not nationally. Most U.S. renters live in places with no cap. A minority of cities and counties run rent-stabilization programs, and a few states have statewide rules for some housing types. Whether a limit applies to your specific unit is answered by your state's law plus any local rent board — not by a national number." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-raise-the-rent-in-the-middle-of-my-lease", "q": "Can my landlord raise the rent in the middle of my lease?", "a": "A fixed-term lease generally sets the rent for the term, so an increase inside the term usually depends on a clause in the lease. Month-to-month tenancies are different, and most states allow changes with proper written notice. Read the lease first, then confirm the state rule.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "A fixed-term lease generally sets the rent for the term, so an increase inside the term usually depends on a clause in the lease. Month-to-month tenancies are different, and most states allow changes with proper written notice. Read the lease first, then confirm the state rule." }, { "slug": "does-my-landlord-have-to-give-notice-in-writing", "q": "Does my landlord have to give notice in writing?", "a": "Most states require some form of advance notice for a rent change in a month-to-month tenancy, and many require it in writing. The required amount and form is set by state law, so check the statute link on your state page or ask legal aid.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Most states require some form of advance notice for a rent change in a month-to-month tenancy, and many require it in writing. The required amount and form is set by state law, so check the statute link on your state page or ask legal aid." }, { "slug": "new-fees-appeared-but-the-base-rent-stayed-the-same-is-that-a-rent-increase", "q": "New fees appeared but the base rent stayed the same. Is that a rent increase?", "a": "It depends on how your state defines rent, and sometimes on your lease. Practically, what matters is the total you owe. Ask in writing for an itemized breakdown of every charge, keep the lease and addenda, and take that to legal aid if the charges look unfamiliar.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "It depends on how your state defines rent, and sometimes on your lease. Practically, what matters is the total you owe. Ask in writing for an itemized breakdown of every charge, keep the lease and addenda, and take that to legal aid if the charges look unfamiliar." }, { "slug": "can-i-negotiate", "q": "Can I negotiate?", "a": "Often, yes — negotiation is not a legal question and nothing stops a tenant from asking. Written, specific, and unemotional works best: a proposed amount, a term length, and a record of on-time payment. Keep the exchange in writing either way.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Often, yes — negotiation is not a legal question and nothing stops a tenant from asking. Written, specific, and unemotional works best: a proposed amount, a term length, and a record of on-time payment. Keep the exchange in writing either way." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-raise-rent-the-same-way-in-every-state", "q": "Can my landlord raise rent the same way in every state?", "a": "No. A fixed-term lease, a month-to-month tenancy, and a rent-stabilized unit are three different systems, and cities add rules the state does not. There is no national percentage we can honestly quote.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No. A fixed-term lease, a month-to-month tenancy, and a rent-stabilized unit are three different systems, and cities add rules the state does not. There is no national percentage we can honestly quote." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-rent-increase-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the rent-increase rule for my address?", "a": "Your lease first, then your state page for the official chapter, then your city housing department if you live in a city that runs a rent board.", "href": "/situations/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Your lease first, then your state page for the official chapter, then your city housing department if you live in a city that runs a rent board." }, { "slug": "can-i-stop-paying-rent-until-it-is-fixed", "q": "Can I stop paying rent until it is fixed?", "a": "That depends entirely on your state, and it is one of the riskiest choices a renter can make without checking. Some states have a formal escrow or repair-and-deduct process with strict conditions; in others, withholding rent gives the landlord grounds to file for eviction. Confirm with a legal-aid office before withholding anything.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "That depends entirely on your state, and it is one of the riskiest choices a renter can make without checking. Some states have a formal escrow or repair-and-deduct process with strict conditions; in others, withholding rent gives the landlord grounds to file for eviction. Confirm with a legal-aid office before withholding anything." }, { "slug": "does-the-request-have-to-be-in-writing", "q": "Does the request have to be in writing?", "a": "State law differs on what is required, but written requests are more useful in every state. Text and email both create a dated record. If your lease or your state names a specific method of notice, follow that method and also keep your own copy.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "State law differs on what is required, but written requests are more useful in every state. Text and email both create a dated record. If your lease or your state names a specific method of notice, follow that method and also keep your own copy." }, { "slug": "what-if-my-landlord-says-the-damage-is-my-fault", "q": "What if my landlord says the damage is my fault?", "a": "Disagreement about cause is common and is one reason documentation matters. Photos, dates, and any earlier reports about the same issue help. A code inspection produces a third-party view that neither side wrote.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Disagreement about cause is common and is one reason documentation matters. Photos, dates, and any earlier reports about the same issue help. A code inspection produces a third-party view that neither side wrote." }, { "slug": "can-i-call-the-city-if-i-am-worried-about-retaliation", "q": "Can I call the city if I am worried about retaliation?", "a": "Many states have rules about landlord action taken because a tenant reported conditions, though the specifics vary widely. Ask the inspecting office whether complaints can be anonymous, and keep dated proof of what you reported and when — the sequence is what matters if the question comes up later.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Many states have rules about landlord action taken because a tenant reported conditions, though the specifics vary widely. Ask the inspecting office whether complaints can be anonymous, and keep dated proof of what you reported and when — the sequence is what matters if the question comes up later." }, { "slug": "how-long-does-a-landlord-have-to-make-a-repair", "q": "How long does a landlord have to make a repair?", "a": "There is no national answer, and we do not publish a number. Response times are set by state law and sometimes by local housing codes, and they often differ by how serious the condition is. Your state page links the official statute and free legal help.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "There is no national answer, and we do not publish a number. Response times are set by state law and sometimes by local housing codes, and they often differ by how serious the condition is. Your state page links the official statute and free legal help." }, { "slug": "is-the-repair-process-the-same-in-every-state", "q": "Is the repair process the same in every state?", "a": "No. Written notice, waiting periods, repair-and-deduct, and rent withholding are state questions. Withholding rent without checking is one of the highest-risk moves a renter can make.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "No. Written notice, waiting periods, repair-and-deduct, and rent withholding are state questions. Withholding rent without checking is one of the highest-risk moves a renter can make." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-repair-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the repair rule for my address?", "a": "Put the request in writing first. Then open your state page for the official chapter, or ask legal aid before you skip a payment.", "href": "/situations/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Put the request in writing first. Then open your state page for the official chapter, or ask legal aid before you skip a payment." }, { "slug": "how-long-does-my-landlord-have-to-return-my-deposit", "q": "How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?", "a": "It is set by state law and varies widely, so we do not publish a number here. Your state page links the official statute and a legal-aid guide, which is where the current deadline lives. If a deadline may already have passed, that is a good reason to contact legal aid promptly.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "It is set by state law and varies widely, so we do not publish a number here. Your state page links the official statute and a legal-aid guide, which is where the current deadline lives. If a deadline may already have passed, that is a good reason to contact legal aid promptly." }, { "slug": "what-counts-as-normal-wear-and-tear", "q": "What counts as normal wear and tear?", "a": "Most states distinguish deterioration from ordinary use — faded paint, lightly worn carpet, small nail holes — from damage such as holes in walls, broken fixtures, or heavy staining. Where the line falls is state-specific and fact-specific, which is why dated move-in and move-out photos matter so much.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "Most states distinguish deterioration from ordinary use — faded paint, lightly worn carpet, small nail holes — from damage such as holes in walls, broken fixtures, or heavy staining. Where the line falls is state-specific and fact-specific, which is why dated move-in and move-out photos matter so much." }, { "slug": "my-landlord-sent-a-bill-instead-of-a-refund-what-now", "q": "My landlord sent a bill instead of a refund. What now?", "a": "Ask in writing for supporting invoices, receipts, or estimates for every charge, and compare each item against your move-in record. Keep the request and the response. If the charges still look unsupported, legal aid or small-claims self-help can explain your options.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "Ask in writing for supporting invoices, receipts, or estimates for every charge, and compare each item against your move-in record. Keep the request and the response. If the charges still look unsupported, legal aid or small-claims self-help can explain your options." }, { "slug": "do-i-have-to-give-a-forwarding-address", "q": "Do I have to give a forwarding address?", "a": "In many states the deposit process depends on the landlord having one, and providing it in writing protects you either way. Keep a copy of when and how you sent it.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "In many states the deposit process depends on the landlord having one, and providing it in writing protects you either way. Keep a copy of when and how you sent it." }, { "slug": "can-i-sue-without-a-lawyer", "q": "Can I sue without a lawyer?", "a": "Small-claims court is built for that, and deposit disputes are among its most common cases. Limits, deadlines, and procedures are set by state and county. Your local court's self-help center is the right place to confirm them.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "Small-claims court is built for that, and deposit disputes are among its most common cases. Limits, deadlines, and procedures are set by state and county. Your local court's self-help center is the right place to confirm them." }, { "slug": "is-there-a-national-cap-on-security-deposits", "q": "Is there a national cap on security deposits?", "a": "No. Caps, allowed deductions, and return deadlines are state questions — sometimes city questions. This site does not reprint a number that can go stale.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "No. Caps, allowed deductions, and return deadlines are state questions — sometimes city questions. This site does not reprint a number that can go stale." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-deposit-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the deposit rule for my address?", "a": "Open your state page for the official chapter. Document the unit, return keys as the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address before you send a demand.", "href": "/situations/deposit", "topic": "deposit", "cluster": "deposit", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/deposit", "takeaways": [ "Deposit caps and return deadlines are state rules, not a national chart.", "Move-in and move-out photos are the usual evidence.", "A forwarding address is often required before the clock is treated as running." ], "speakable": "Open your state page for the official chapter. Document the unit, return keys as the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address before you send a demand." }, { "slug": "how-much-notice-does-my-landlord-have-to-give-before-entering", "q": "How much notice does my landlord have to give before entering?", "a": "It is set by state law and sometimes added to by a lease or local ordinance, so we do not publish a number. Your state page links the official statute. If entries are already happening without notice, start the written log now — the record is useful regardless of what the rule turns out to be.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "It is set by state law and sometimes added to by a lease or local ordinance, so we do not publish a number. Your state page links the official statute. If entries are already happening without notice, start the written log now — the record is useful regardless of what the rule turns out to be." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-enter-when-i-am-not-home", "q": "Can my landlord enter when I am not home?", "a": "In most states the rule is about notice and purpose rather than whether the tenant is present. Whether your presence is required is a state and lease question. A dated log of entries is the practical starting point either way.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "In most states the rule is about notice and purpose rather than whether the tenant is present. Whether your presence is required is a state and lease question. A dated log of entries is the practical starting point either way." }, { "slug": "what-counts-as-an-emergency", "q": "What counts as an emergency?", "a": "Most states allow entry without notice for genuine emergencies — fire, flooding, gas, or a condition threatening people or the building. Routine maintenance and showings are generally not emergencies. If 'emergency' is being used for routine visits, note each one in your log.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "Most states allow entry without notice for genuine emergencies — fire, flooding, gas, or a condition threatening people or the building. Routine maintenance and showings are generally not emergencies. If 'emergency' is being used for routine visits, note each one in your log." }, { "slug": "can-i-refuse-entry", "q": "Can I refuse entry?", "a": "Refusing lawful entry can create its own problems, including a claimed lease violation. The safer path in most situations is to ask in writing for proper notice, keep the log, and take a documented pattern to legal aid rather than blocking access on the spot.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "Refusing lawful entry can create its own problems, including a claimed lease violation. The safer path in most situations is to ask in writing for proper notice, keep the log, and take a documented pattern to legal aid rather than blocking access on the spot." }, { "slug": "can-i-put-in-a-camera-or-change-the-locks", "q": "Can I put in a camera or change the locks?", "a": "Both raise state-specific questions. Recording law varies, and audio recording in particular has consent rules that differ by state. Lock changes may be addressed by state law or your lease. Ask legal aid before doing either.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "Both raise state-specific questions. Recording law varies, and audio recording in particular has consent rules that differ by state. Lock changes may be addressed by state law or your lease. Ask legal aid before doing either." }, { "slug": "can-my-landlord-enter-without-notice-in-every-state", "q": "Can my landlord enter without notice in every state?", "a": "No. Entry rules differ for emergencies, repairs, and showings, and the hour-count is a state question. This site does not invent a national number.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "No. Entry rules differ for emergencies, repairs, and showings, and the hour-count is a state question. This site does not invent a national number." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-entry-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the entry rule for my address?", "a": "Write down the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told. Then open your state page or ask legal aid.", "href": "/situations/entry", "topic": "entry", "cluster": "entry", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/entry", "takeaways": [ "There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.", "Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.", "Write down the date, time, and how you were told." ], "speakable": "Write down the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told. Then open your state page or ask legal aid." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-warranty-of-habitability", "q": "What is the warranty of habitability?", "a": "It is the general duty, recognized in most states, for a landlord to keep a rental fit to live in — working heat, safe water, working plumbing and electrical, and freedom from serious hazards. The exact contents come from state statute, local housing code, and court decisions, so they differ from state to state.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "It is the general duty, recognized in most states, for a landlord to keep a rental fit to live in — working heat, safe water, working plumbing and electrical, and freedom from serious hazards. The exact contents come from state statute, local housing code, and court decisions, so they differ from state to state." }, { "slug": "is-mold-covered", "q": "Is mold covered?", "a": "It depends on the state. Some address mold directly, others handle it through general habitability rules or local housing code, and some address it very little. Documenting the water source — a leak, a failed seal, poor ventilation — is usually more actionable than the mold itself, because the water intrusion is what a landlord is asked to fix.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "It depends on the state. Some address mold directly, others handle it through general habitability rules or local housing code, and some address it very little. Documenting the water source — a leak, a failed seal, poor ventilation — is usually more actionable than the mold itself, because the water intrusion is what a landlord is asked to fix." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-besides-my-landlord", "q": "Who do I call besides my landlord?", "a": "Your city or county building, housing, or health department can inspect rental conditions and issue notices to the owner. 211 can route you to local services. Legal aid can explain what your state's remedies actually are. All three are free.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "Your city or county building, housing, or health department can inspect rental conditions and issue notices to the owner. 211 can route you to local services. Legal aid can explain what your state's remedies actually are. All three are free." }, { "slug": "can-i-break-my-lease-if-the-place-is-unlivable", "q": "Can I break my lease if the place is unlivable?", "a": "Some states allow a tenant to end a tenancy over a serious habitability breach, generally with specific notice requirements and conditions. Others do not, or make it much harder. Because getting this wrong can mean owing rent for the remaining term, confirm with legal aid before giving notice.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "Some states allow a tenant to end a tenancy over a serious habitability breach, generally with specific notice requirements and conditions. Others do not, or make it much harder. Because getting this wrong can mean owing rent for the remaining term, confirm with legal aid before giving notice." }, { "slug": "the-unit-was-condemned-and-i-had-to-leave-what-now", "q": "The unit was condemned and I had to leave. What now?", "a": "Several systems may apply at once — the lease, state habitability law, any local relocation-assistance ordinance, renters insurance, and disaster assistance if a declaration covers the event. Keep every receipt and the written condemnation notice, call 211 for emergency housing, and bring the tenancy questions to legal aid.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "Several systems may apply at once — the lease, state habitability law, any local relocation-assistance ordinance, renters insurance, and disaster assistance if a declaration covers the event. Keep every receipt and the written condemnation notice, call 211 for emergency housing, and bring the tenancy questions to legal aid." }, { "slug": "is-uninhabitable-the-same-in-every-state", "q": "Is 'uninhabitable' the same in every state?", "a": "No. What a landlord must keep working, and what a tenant may do if they do not, is a state question. Federal law does not set a national habitability checklist for private rentals.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "No. What a landlord must keep working, and what a tenant may do if they do not, is a state question. Federal law does not set a national habitability checklist for private rentals." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-the-habitability-rule-for-my-address", "q": "Where do I confirm the habitability rule for my address?", "a": "Photograph the condition, write the landlord, and open your state page. Ask the city housing or health department about a complaint process, and ask legal aid before you withhold rent.", "href": "/situations/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "Photograph the condition, write the landlord, and open your state page. Ask the city housing or health department about a complaint process, and ask legal aid before you withhold rent." }, { "slug": "is-this-notice-a-court-document", "q": "Is this notice a court document?", "a": "Look for a court name, a case or docket number, a judge's name, or a date to appear. If any of those are present, a case has been filed and a response deadline is running — that is the most urgent situation on this site and a reason to contact legal aid today.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Look for a court name, a case or docket number, a judge's name, or a date to appear. If any of those are present, a case has been filed and a response deadline is running — that is the most urgent situation on this site and a reason to contact legal aid today." }, { "slug": "does-a-notice-have-to-be-in-writing", "q": "Does a notice have to be in writing?", "a": "Most states require written notice for the notices that end or change a tenancy, and many set rules about how it must be delivered. The specifics are state law. Whatever the rule, record how and when yours arrived.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Most states require written notice for the notices that end or change a tenancy, and many set rules about how it must be delivered. The specifics are state law. Whatever the rule, record how and when yours arrived." }, { "slug": "the-notice-has-a-mistake-in-it-does-that-matter", "q": "The notice has a mistake in it. Does that matter?", "a": "Sometimes, and sometimes not — it depends on the state, the type of notice, and which detail is wrong. It is not something to conclude on your own. Photograph the notice, write down what looks wrong, and bring both to legal aid.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Sometimes, and sometimes not — it depends on the state, the type of notice, and which detail is wrong. It is not something to conclude on your own. Photograph the notice, write down what looks wrong, and bring both to legal aid." }, { "slug": "should-i-call-my-landlord-or-write", "q": "Should I call my landlord or write?", "a": "Write, and keep a copy. Calls leave no record. If a conversation happens anyway, send a short follow-up message the same day summarizing what was said and asking for confirmation.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Write, and keep a copy. Calls leave no record. If a conversation happens anyway, send a short follow-up message the same day summarizing what was said and asking for confirmation." }, { "slug": "can-i-just-move-out-instead", "q": "Can I just move out instead?", "a": "Moving can end some problems and create others, including claims for unpaid rent or a filing that follows you into tenant screening. Because the consequences depend on the type of notice and your state, this is worth one free call to legal aid before deciding.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Moving can end some problems and create others, including claims for unpaid rent or a filing that follows you into tenant screening. Because the consequences depend on the type of notice and your state, this is worth one free call to legal aid before deciding." }, { "slug": "does-every-landlord-notice-mean-the-same-thing", "q": "Does every landlord notice mean the same thing?", "a": "No. A notice to pay, a notice to cure, a notice to vacate, and court papers are different documents. The labels also change by state. Look for a court name and a case number first.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "No. A notice to pay, a notice to cure, a notice to vacate, and court papers are different documents. The labels also change by state. Look for a court name and a case number first." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-confirm-what-my-notice-means", "q": "Where do I confirm what my notice means?", "a": "Your state page names the official chapter. If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. This site will not guess a deadline from a photo of a notice.", "href": "/situations/notices", "topic": "notices", "cluster": "notices", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/situations/notices", "takeaways": [ "The heading on the paper is not the last word. Read for a court name.", "Keep every page, including posting photos.", "Court papers are same-day work." ], "speakable": "Your state page names the official chapter. If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. This site will not guess a deadline from a photo of a notice." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-nyc-311-hpd-hcr-or-housing-court", "q": "Who do I call in NYC — 311, HPD, HCR, or Housing Court?", "a": "They are four different doors. 311 opens a City service request. HPD inspects housing conditions. HCR answers whether a unit is rent-regulated. Housing Court hears possession cases. Calling the wrong one wastes the day you may not have. Match the paper in your hand to the door.", "href": "/rights/cities/new-york-ny", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/new-york-ny", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "They are four different doors. 311 opens a City service request. HPD inspects housing conditions. HCR answers whether a unit is rent-regulated. Housing Court hears possession cases. Calling the wrong one wastes the day you may not have. Match the paper in your hand to the door." }, { "slug": "there-is-no-heat-or-no-hot-water-in-my-nyc-apartment", "q": "There is no heat or no hot water in my NYC apartment.", "a": "That is an HPD conditions problem. Photograph it, write the date, and open a 311 request. If it is dangerous tonight, treat it as an emergency. NYC publishes heat-season and hot-water rules on the Tenant Bill of Rights — we do not reprint the temperature or the hour-count here. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/new-york-ny/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/new-york-ny/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "That is an HPD conditions problem. Photograph it, write the date, and open a 311 request. If it is dangerous tonight, treat it as an emergency. NYC publishes heat-season and hot-water rules on the Tenant Bill of Rights — we do not reprint the temperature or the hour-count here. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "can-my-nyc-landlord-charge-a-broker-fee", "q": "Can my NYC landlord charge a broker fee?", "a": "New York City has additional rules on how broker fees may be charged, and they change. Confirm the current rule on the HPD Tenant Bill of Rights or with legal aid — this desk does not reprint a fee split. Keep every invoice. A fee you already paid is a paper trail, not a closed case.", "href": "/rights/cities/new-york-ny", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/new-york-ny", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "New York City has additional rules on how broker fees may be charged, and they change. Confirm the current rule on the HPD Tenant Bill of Rights or with legal aid — this desk does not reprint a fee split. Keep every invoice. A fee you already paid is a paper trail, not a closed case." }, { "slug": "does-good-cause-eviction-apply-to-my-nyc-unit", "q": "Does Good Cause eviction apply to my NYC unit?", "a": "New York added a statewide overlay that limits some evictions and some increases — coverage is not every unit, and it is not a substitute for Housing Court procedure. Ask legal aid with your lease and the paper in your hand. Do not treat a social-media summary as the coverage map.", "href": "/rights/cities/new-york-ny/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/new-york-ny/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "New York added a statewide overlay that limits some evictions and some increases — coverage is not every unit, and it is not a substitute for Housing Court procedure. Ask legal aid with your lease and the paper in your hand. Do not treat a social-media summary as the coverage map." }, { "slug": "stay-housed-la-lahd-or-housing-rights-center", "q": "Stay Housed LA, LAHD, or Housing Rights Center?", "a": "Stay Housed LA is eviction defense — workshops and lawyers for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization, just-cause, and complaints. Housing Rights Center is fair housing. Mixing them is the wrong phone tree. Confirm hours on their sites.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Stay Housed LA is eviction defense — workshops and lawyers for eligible tenants. LAHD administers rent stabilization, just-cause, and complaints. Housing Rights Center is fair housing. Mixing them is the wrong phone tree. Confirm hours on their sites." }, { "slug": "is-my-los-angeles-unit-under-the-rent-stabilization-ordinance", "q": "Is my Los Angeles unit under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance?", "a": "Coverage is an address-and-unit question the Housing Department answers. Age of the building, the kind of housing, and later just-cause rules are not the same pile. Ask LAHD about this address before you treat a percentage you saw online as the cap.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Coverage is an address-and-unit question the Housing Department answers. Age of the building, the kind of housing, and later just-cause rules are not the same pile. Ask LAHD about this address before you treat a percentage you saw online as the cap." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-difference-between-an-rso-complaint-and-a-code-complaint-in-la", "q": "What is the difference between an RSO complaint and a code complaint in LA?", "a": "Unsafe or unhealthy conditions are a code complaint. An illegal rent increase or eviction on a covered unit is an RSO or just-cause complaint. File the one that matches the paper. LAHD handles both doors; they are not interchangeable.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Unsafe or unhealthy conditions are a code complaint. An illegal rent increase or eviction on a covered unit is an RSO or just-cause complaint. File the one that matches the paper. LAHD handles both doors; they are not interchangeable." }, { "slug": "does-stay-housed-la-replace-legal-aid", "q": "Does Stay Housed LA replace legal aid?", "a": "No. Stay Housed LA is a City-backed eviction-defense network. It is one of the right local doors when a notice or an unlawful detainer arrives. It is not this classroom, and it is not a guarantee. Court papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court are still same-day work.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "No. Stay Housed LA is a City-backed eviction-defense network. It is one of the right local doors when a notice or an unlawful detainer arrives. It is not this classroom, and it is not a guarantee. Court papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court are still same-day work." }, { "slug": "stay-housed-la-lahd-or-housing-rights-center-who-do-i-call", "q": "Stay Housed LA, LAHD, or Housing Rights Center — who do I call?", "a": "Three doors. Stay Housed LA (stayhousedla.org) is eviction defense when a notice or unlawful detainer arrives. LAHD (housing.lacity.gov) administers the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, just-cause, and code complaints — coverage is an address question. Housing Rights Center (housingrightscenter.org) takes fair-housing discrimination intake. None of them is the Superior Court.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Three doors. Stay Housed LA (stayhousedla.org) is eviction defense when a notice or unlawful detainer arrives. LAHD (housing.lacity.gov) administers the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, just-cause, and code complaints — coverage is an address question. Housing Rights Center (housingrightscenter.org) takes fair-housing discrimination intake. None of them is the Superior Court." }, { "slug": "should-i-treat-lahd-s-covid-emergency-ordinances-as-current", "q": "Should I treat LAHD’s COVID emergency ordinances as current?", "a": "Not blindly. On 8 September 2026, LAHD’s renter-protection highlights page still described Ordinance Nos. 186585, 186606, and 186607 from 2020. Ask LAHD what applies to this unit now. This desk does not reprint those rules as today’s RSO.", "href": "/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/los-angeles-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Not blindly. On 8 September 2026, LAHD’s renter-protection highlights page still described Ordinance Nos. 186585, 186606, and 186607 from 2020. Ask LAHD what applies to this unit now. This desk does not reprint those rules as today’s RSO." }, { "slug": "does-chicago-s-rlto-cover-my-building", "q": "Does Chicago’s RLTO cover my building?", "a": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance covers a large share of Chicago rentals — and not every unit. Building size and housing type matter. The Department of Housing publishes what is in force. A suburb’s ordinance, or a proposal, is not the Chicago RLTO.", "href": "/rights/cities/chicago-il/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/chicago-il/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance covers a large share of Chicago rentals — and not every unit. Building size and housing type matter. The Department of Housing publishes what is in force. A suburb’s ordinance, or a proposal, is not the Chicago RLTO." }, { "slug": "who-hears-an-eviction-in-chicago", "q": "Who hears an eviction in Chicago?", "a": "Cook County Circuit Court, often in the Municipal Department’s housing calls. A landlord notice is not a judgment. Papers that name a court or a case number mean a case has been filed. Legal aid the same day. The RLTO does not replace that court.", "href": "/rights/cities/chicago-il/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/chicago-il/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Cook County Circuit Court, often in the Municipal Department’s housing calls. A landlord notice is not a judgment. Papers that name a court or a case number mean a case has been filed. Legal aid the same day. The RLTO does not replace that court." }, { "slug": "311-or-the-department-of-housing", "q": "311 or the Department of Housing?", "a": "311 opens many City requests. Housing-ordinance questions — what the RLTO requires of this landlord — go to the Department of Housing. Put the repair in writing either way. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text.", "href": "/rights/cities/chicago-il/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/chicago-il/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "311 opens many City requests. Housing-ordinance questions — what the RLTO requires of this landlord — go to the Department of Housing. Put the repair in writing either way. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text." }, { "slug": "does-houston-have-a-rent-board", "q": "Does Houston have a rent board?", "a": "No city rent board sits on top of Texas Chapter 92 here. Repair, deposit, and lockout rules are statewide. Houston 311 and code enforcement handle some conditions. Harris County justice court hears possession cases. Do not import an Austin ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/houston-tx/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/houston-tx/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No city rent board sits on top of Texas Chapter 92 here. Repair, deposit, and lockout rules are statewide. Houston 311 and code enforcement handle some conditions. Harris County justice court hears possession cases. Do not import an Austin ordinance." }, { "slug": "can-my-houston-landlord-lock-me-out", "q": "Can my Houston landlord lock me out?", "a": "Texas has specific rules on when a lockout is even discussed, and they are easy to get wrong. Photograph what happened. Call legal aid the same day. 911 if you are locked out tonight and unsafe. This desk does not reprint the lockout procedure.", "href": "/rights/cities/houston-tx/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/houston-tx/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Texas has specific rules on when a lockout is even discussed, and they are easy to get wrong. Photograph what happened. Call legal aid the same day. 911 if you are locked out tonight and unsafe. This desk does not reprint the lockout procedure." }, { "slug": "is-phoenix-different-from-arizona-state-law", "q": "Is Phoenix different from Arizona state law?", "a": "The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Phoenix adds inspectors and 311, not a rent-control board. Maricopa County justice courts hear possession cases. A Tucson rumor is the wrong county.", "href": "/rights/cities/phoenix-az", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/phoenix-az", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Phoenix adds inspectors and 311, not a rent-control board. Maricopa County justice courts hear possession cases. A Tucson rumor is the wrong county." }, { "slug": "who-inspects-a-phoenix-rental", "q": "Who inspects a Phoenix rental?", "a": "Neighborhood Services / 602-262-7844 and 311 are the City conditions doors. Put it in writing first. Do not skip rent until legal aid has read the Arizona act with you.", "href": "/rights/cities/phoenix-az/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/phoenix-az/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Neighborhood Services / 602-262-7844 and 311 are the City conditions doors. Put it in writing first. Do not skip rent until legal aid has read the Arizona act with you." }, { "slug": "what-does-philadelphia-add-on-top-of-pennsylvania-law", "q": "What does Philadelphia add on top of Pennsylvania law?", "a": "Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act is the floor. Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause / good-cause rules for many tenancies are the City layer. Coverage is a unit question. L&I is not a substitute for Municipal Court.", "href": "/rights/cities/philadelphia-pa", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/philadelphia-pa", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act is the floor. Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause / good-cause rules for many tenancies are the City layer. Coverage is a unit question. L&I is not a substitute for Municipal Court." }, { "slug": "where-are-evictions-heard-in-philadelphia", "q": "Where are evictions heard in Philadelphia?", "a": "Philadelphia Municipal Court hears landlord-tenant cases. A notice is a step. A complaint with a court name is a case. Legal aid the same day. Do not use a Pittsburgh process on a Philadelphia address.", "href": "/rights/cities/philadelphia-pa/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/philadelphia-pa/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Philadelphia Municipal Court hears landlord-tenant cases. A notice is a step. A complaint with a court name is a case. Legal aid the same day. Do not use a Pittsburgh process on a Philadelphia address." }, { "slug": "does-san-antonio-have-its-own-landlord-tenant-code", "q": "Does San Antonio have its own landlord-tenant code?", "a": "Texas Chapter 92 is the book. Code enforcement and 311 are the City doors. Bexar County justice court hears possession cases. Houston or Dallas rules stop at those city lines.", "href": "/rights/cities/san-antonio-tx", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/san-antonio-tx", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Texas Chapter 92 is the book. Code enforcement and 311 are the City doors. Bexar County justice court hears possession cases. Houston or Dallas rules stop at those city lines." }, { "slug": "does-san-diego-have-rent-control", "q": "Does San Diego have rent control?", "a": "San Diego has added local tenant-protection and rent rules for many units — coverage is an address question the City administers. California Civil Code is still the floor. A Los Angeles RSO answer is the wrong city. Ask the City housing department about this address.", "href": "/rights/cities/san-diego-ca/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/san-diego-ca/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "San Diego has added local tenant-protection and rent rules for many units — coverage is an address question the City administers. California Civil Code is still the floor. A Los Angeles RSO answer is the wrong city. Ask the City housing department about this address." }, { "slug": "is-dallas-different-from-fort-worth-for-renters", "q": "Is Dallas different from Fort Worth for renters?", "a": "Same Texas Property Code. Different code shops and different justice courts. Dallas 311 and Dallas County are the doors for a Dallas address. Do not file a Tarrant County process on a Dallas unit.", "href": "/rights/cities/dallas-tx", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/dallas-tx", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Same Texas Property Code. Different code shops and different justice courts. Dallas 311 and Dallas County are the doors for a Dallas address. Do not file a Tarrant County process on a Dallas unit." }, { "slug": "what-extra-rules-does-austin-have", "q": "What extra rules does Austin have?", "a": "Austin has added local tenant-protection ordinances on top of Chapter 92. What is in force, and what a court has paused, is a now-question — read the City, not a 2021 flyer. Code enforcement and 311 remain the conditions doors. Travis County justice court hears possession.", "href": "/rights/cities/austin-tx", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/austin-tx", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Austin has added local tenant-protection ordinances on top of Chapter 92. What is in force, and what a court has paused, is a now-question — read the City, not a 2021 flyer. Code enforcement and 311 remain the conditions doors. Travis County justice court hears possession." }, { "slug": "is-my-san-francisco-unit-under-rent-control", "q": "Is my San Francisco unit under rent control?", "a": "The Rent Board administers rent control and just-cause for many — not all — San Francisco units. Coverage is a unit question. The Department of Building Inspection handles conditions. Those two doors are not the same. Ask the Rent Board about this address before you treat a percentage as the cap.", "href": "/rights/cities/san-francisco-ca/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/san-francisco-ca/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "The Rent Board administers rent control and just-cause for many — not all — San Francisco units. Coverage is a unit question. The Department of Building Inspection handles conditions. Those two doors are not the same. Ask the Rent Board about this address before you treat a percentage as the cap." }, { "slug": "who-hears-an-eviction-in-san-francisco", "q": "Who hears an eviction in San Francisco?", "a": "San Francisco Superior Court hears unlawful detainers. The Rent Board is not that court. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Tenant counseling groups in the City are local doors, not this classroom.", "href": "/rights/cities/san-francisco-ca/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/san-francisco-ca/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "San Francisco Superior Court hears unlawful detainers. The Rent Board is not that court. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Tenant counseling groups in the City are local doors, not this classroom." }, { "slug": "what-does-seattle-add-on-top-of-washington-law", "q": "What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?", "a": "The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.", "href": "/rights/cities/seattle-wa", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/seattle-wa", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city." }, { "slug": "where-are-evictions-heard-in-seattle", "q": "Where are evictions heard in Seattle?", "a": "King County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. A landlord notice is not a judgment. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. City ordinances do not replace that court.", "href": "/rights/cities/seattle-wa/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/seattle-wa/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "King County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. A landlord notice is not a judgment. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. City ordinances do not replace that court." }, { "slug": "does-denver-have-rent-control", "q": "Does Denver have rent control?", "a": "Colorado and Denver have added tenant-protection rules in recent years. What is in force for this address is a now-question — confirm with the City and with legal aid. Do not treat a bill number as the ordinance. County Court hears many evictions.", "href": "/rights/cities/denver-co/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/denver-co/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Colorado and Denver have added tenant-protection rules in recent years. What is in force for this address is a now-question — confirm with the City and with legal aid. Do not treat a bill number as the ordinance. County Court hears many evictions." }, { "slug": "is-my-dc-unit-rent-controlled", "q": "Is my DC unit rent-controlled?", "a": "Many District units fall under rent stabilization administered by DHCD. Coverage is a unit question. The Office of Tenant Advocate is a local door. Superior Court of the District of Columbia hears possession cases. Maryland or Virginia rules do not apply.", "href": "/rights/cities/washington-dc/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/washington-dc/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Many District units fall under rent stabilization administered by DHCD. Coverage is a unit question. The Office of Tenant Advocate is a local door. Superior Court of the District of Columbia hears possession cases. Maryland or Virginia rules do not apply." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-dc-311-dhcd-ota-or-court", "q": "Who do I call in DC — 311, DHCD, OTA, or court?", "a": "311 opens City requests. DHCD handles much of the rent-stabilization stack. The Office of Tenant Advocate helps tenants navigate. Superior Court is where a possession case is heard. Match the paper to the door.", "href": "/rights/cities/washington-dc", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/washington-dc", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "311 opens City requests. DHCD handles much of the rent-stabilization stack. The Office of Tenant Advocate helps tenants navigate. Superior Court is where a possession case is heard. Match the paper to the door." }, { "slug": "does-boston-have-just-cause-or-a-rent-board", "q": "Does Boston have just-cause or a rent board?", "a": "Boston has added local tenant-protection rules on top of Massachusetts law. Coverage and what is in force are City questions — confirm with the Office of Housing and with legal aid. Housing Court is still the possession forum. A Cambridge ordinance is not a Boston ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/boston-ma/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/boston-ma/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Boston has added local tenant-protection rules on top of Massachusetts law. Coverage and what is in force are City questions — confirm with the Office of Housing and with legal aid. Housing Court is still the possession forum. A Cambridge ordinance is not a Boston ordinance." }, { "slug": "is-miami-the-same-as-miami-dade", "q": "Is Miami the same as Miami-Dade?", "a": "The City of Miami sits inside Miami-Dade County. Florida Chapter 83 is the tenancy book. County and City code enforcement are different doors. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Miami versus unincorporated Dade before you file a complaint.", "href": "/rights/cities/miami-fl", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/miami-fl", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The City of Miami sits inside Miami-Dade County. Florida Chapter 83 is the tenancy book. County and City code enforcement are different doors. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Miami versus unincorporated Dade before you file a complaint." }, { "slug": "does-atlanta-have-local-renter-ordinances-on-top-of-georgia-law", "q": "Does Atlanta have local renter ordinances on top of Georgia law?", "a": "Georgia law is the tenancy baseline. Atlanta Code Enforcement and 311 are the City conditions doors. Fulton or DeKalb County Magistrate Court hears many dispossessory cases — confirm the county of the unit. A DeKalb process is not a Fulton process.", "href": "/rights/cities/atlanta-ga", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/atlanta-ga", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Georgia law is the tenancy baseline. Atlanta Code Enforcement and 311 are the City conditions doors. Fulton or DeKalb County Magistrate Court hears many dispossessory cases — confirm the county of the unit. A DeKalb process is not a Fulton process." }, { "slug": "what-does-portland-s-rental-services-office-actually-do", "q": "What does Portland’s Rental Services Office actually do?", "a": "It publishes local rules, screens some notices, and answers coverage questions for City ordinances. It is not a court and it is not legal aid. Multnomah County Circuit Court hears possession cases. Oregon’s landlord-tenant chapter is still the floor.", "href": "/rights/cities/portland-or", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/portland-or", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "It publishes local rules, screens some notices, and answers coverage questions for City ordinances. It is not a court and it is not legal aid. Multnomah County Circuit Court hears possession cases. Oregon’s landlord-tenant chapter is still the floor." }, { "slug": "does-portland-cap-rent-increases", "q": "Does Portland cap rent increases?", "a": "Oregon and Portland have added rules that affect how and when rent may go up for many tenancies. The percentage, the notice, and which units are covered are now-questions — confirm with Rental Services and the official chapter. This desk does not reprint a cap.", "href": "/rights/cities/portland-or/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/portland-or/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Oregon and Portland have added rules that affect how and when rent may go up for many tenancies. The percentage, the notice, and which units are covered are now-questions — confirm with Rental Services and the official chapter. This desk does not reprint a cap." }, { "slug": "is-a-portland-landlord-notice-the-same-as-being-evicted", "q": "Is a Portland landlord notice the same as being evicted?", "a": "No. A written notice is a step. An FED filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court is a case. If the paper names the court, call legal aid the same day. Rental Services can explain local notice rules; it cannot appear for you.", "href": "/rights/cities/portland-or/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/portland-or/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "No. A written notice is a step. An FED filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court is a case. If the paper names the court, call legal aid the same day. Rental Services can explain local notice rules; it cannot appear for you." }, { "slug": "oregon-cat-oregonrentersrights-org-or-211info-which-one", "q": "Oregon CAT, oregonrentersrights.org, or 211info — which one?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants (oregoncat.org) is a tenants union — education and organizing. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. 211info.org is regional 211 for rent, shelter, food, and utilities. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Portland Rental Services is the City office. They are not interchangeable.", "href": "/rights/cities/portland-or", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/portland-or", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants (oregoncat.org) is a tenants union — education and organizing. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. 211info.org is regional 211 for rent, shelter, food, and utilities. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute. Portland Rental Services is the City office. They are not interchangeable." }, { "slug": "is-oakland-rent-control-the-same-as-san-francisco-s", "q": "Is Oakland rent control the same as San Francisco’s?", "a": "No. Oakland’s Rent Adjustment Program is a different ordinance, a different board, and a different coverage map. Berkeley is a third city. Ask RAP about this Oakland address. California Civil Code remains the floor.", "href": "/rights/cities/oakland-ca/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/oakland-ca/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No. Oakland’s Rent Adjustment Program is a different ordinance, a different board, and a different coverage map. Berkeley is a third city. Ask RAP about this Oakland address. California Civil Code remains the floor." }, { "slug": "is-minneapolis-the-same-as-st-paul-for-renters", "q": "Is Minneapolis the same as St. Paul for renters?", "a": "Minnesota Chapter 504B is shared. The City ordinances are not. Minneapolis has its own rental licensing and tenant-protection rules. St. Paul is a separate desk on this site. Use the city of the unit.", "href": "/rights/cities/minneapolis-mn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/minneapolis-mn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Minnesota Chapter 504B is shared. The City ordinances are not. Minneapolis has its own rental licensing and tenant-protection rules. St. Paul is a separate desk on this site. Use the city of the unit." }, { "slug": "who-hears-an-eviction-in-detroit", "q": "Who hears an eviction in Detroit?", "a": "36th District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases in Detroit. Michigan law is the baseline. Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental and 311 are the City conditions doors. A notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/cities/detroit-mi/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/detroit-mi/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "36th District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases in Detroit. Michigan law is the baseline. Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental and 311 are the City conditions doors. A notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "is-las-vegas-the-same-as-clark-county", "q": "Is Las Vegas the same as Clark County?", "a": "Confirm the City of Las Vegas versus unincorporated Clark County. Nevada’s residential statutes are the book. Justice court hears many evictions. A Henderson or North Las Vegas ordinance is a different city.", "href": "/rights/cities/las-vegas-nv", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/las-vegas-nv", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Confirm the City of Las Vegas versus unincorporated Clark County. Nevada’s residential statutes are the book. Justice court hears many evictions. A Henderson or North Las Vegas ordinance is a different city." }, { "slug": "does-tennessee-s-urlta-apply-in-nashville", "q": "Does Tennessee’s URLTA apply in Nashville?", "a": "Tennessee’s uniform act is not automatic in every county. Confirm adoption for Davidson County. Metro Codes and 311 are the conditions doors. General Sessions hears many evictions. A Memphis process is not a Nashville process.", "href": "/rights/cities/nashville-tn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/nashville-tn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Tennessee’s uniform act is not automatic in every county. Confirm adoption for Davidson County. Metro Codes and 311 are the conditions doors. General Sessions hears many evictions. A Memphis process is not a Nashville process." }, { "slug": "what-extra-rules-does-baltimore-city-have", "q": "What extra rules does Baltimore City have?", "a": "Maryland is the floor. Baltimore City has added local rental-licensing and tenant-protection rules. Housing and 311 are the City doors. District Court hears rent court / failure-to-pay cases. Baltimore County is a different government.", "href": "/rights/cities/baltimore-md", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/baltimore-md", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Maryland is the floor. Baltimore City has added local rental-licensing and tenant-protection rules. Housing and 311 are the City doors. District Court hears rent court / failure-to-pay cases. Baltimore County is a different government." }, { "slug": "does-san-jos-have-its-own-rent-ordinance", "q": "Does San José have its own rent ordinance?", "a": "Yes — the Apartment Rent Ordinance and related just-cause rules cover many units. Coverage is an address question the City administers. A San Francisco or Oakland answer is the wrong city. California Civil Code is still the floor.", "href": "/rights/cities/san-jose-ca/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/san-jose-ca/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Yes — the Apartment Rent Ordinance and related just-cause rules cover many units. Coverage is an address question the City administers. A San Francisco or Oakland answer is the wrong city. California Civil Code is still the floor." }, { "slug": "what-does-sacramento-add", "q": "What does Sacramento add?", "a": "Sacramento has local tenant-protection and just-cause rules for many tenancies on top of the Civil Code. Confirm coverage with the City. Code enforcement and 311 are the conditions doors. A San Francisco Rent Board process does not apply here.", "href": "/rights/cities/sacramento-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/sacramento-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Sacramento has local tenant-protection and just-cause rules for many tenancies on top of the Civil Code. Confirm coverage with the City. Code enforcement and 311 are the conditions doors. A San Francisco Rent Board process does not apply here." }, { "slug": "is-long-beach-the-same-as-los-angeles-for-renters", "q": "Is Long Beach the same as Los Angeles for renters?", "a": "No. Long Beach has its own just-cause and rent-stabilization stack. LAHD does not administer a Long Beach unit. Confirm with the City of Long Beach. California Civil Code remains the floor.", "href": "/rights/cities/long-beach-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/long-beach-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. Long Beach has its own just-cause and rent-stabilization stack. LAHD does not administer a Long Beach unit. Confirm with the City of Long Beach. California Civil Code remains the floor." }, { "slug": "city-of-tampa-or-unincorporated-hillsborough", "q": "City of Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough?", "a": "Florida Chapter 83 is the book either way. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Tampa versus the County before you file a complaint.", "href": "/rights/cities/tampa-fl", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/tampa-fl", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Florida Chapter 83 is the book either way. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. Confirm City of Tampa versus the County before you file a complaint." }, { "slug": "what-is-different-about-renting-in-new-orleans", "q": "What is different about renting in New Orleans?", "a": "Louisiana’s Civil Code lease articles are the statewide baseline — a different legal family than most states. The City layer is Code Enforcement and 311. First City Court and other parish courts hear many eviction cases. Do not import a Texas or Florida process.", "href": "/rights/cities/new-orleans-la", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/new-orleans-la", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Louisiana’s Civil Code lease articles are the statewide baseline — a different legal family than most states. The City layer is Code Enforcement and 311. First City Court and other parish courts hear many eviction cases. Do not import a Texas or Florida process." }, { "slug": "does-newark-have-rent-control", "q": "Does Newark have rent control?", "a": "Newark’s rent-control ordinance covers many units, on top of New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act. Coverage is a unit question the City administers. Jersey City is a different ordinance. Confirm with Newark, not with a neighbor’s city.", "href": "/rights/cities/newark-nj/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/newark-nj/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Newark’s rent-control ordinance covers many units, on top of New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act. Coverage is a unit question the City administers. Jersey City is a different ordinance. Confirm with Newark, not with a neighbor’s city." }, { "slug": "city-and-county-of-honolulu-what-is-the-local-layer", "q": "City and County of Honolulu — what is the local layer?", "a": "Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are the statewide book. The consolidated City and County adds code enforcement. District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Neighbor-island rules are not Honolulu rules.", "href": "/rights/cities/honolulu-hi", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/honolulu-hi", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are the statewide book. The consolidated City and County adds code enforcement. District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Neighbor-island rules are not Honolulu rules." }, { "slug": "does-milwaukee-add-rules-on-top-of-wisconsin-law", "q": "Does Milwaukee add rules on top of Wisconsin law?", "a": "Wisconsin Chapter 704 is the floor. Milwaukee has local property and rental-inspection rules. 311 is the City door. Small-claims eviction in Milwaukee County is the possession forum. A Madison ordinance is not Milwaukee’s.", "href": "/rights/cities/milwaukee-wi", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/milwaukee-wi", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Wisconsin Chapter 704 is the floor. Milwaukee has local property and rental-inspection rules. 311 is the City door. Small-claims eviction in Milwaukee County is the possession forum. A Madison ordinance is not Milwaukee’s." }, { "slug": "is-columbus-the-same-as-cleveland-for-renters", "q": "Is Columbus the same as Cleveland for renters?", "a": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 is shared. The City codes and the courts are not. Franklin County Municipal Court hears many Columbus forcible-entry cases. Cleveland’s rental-registration and lead-safe rules do not apply here.", "href": "/rights/cities/columbus-oh", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/columbus-oh", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 is shared. The City codes and the courts are not. Franklin County Municipal Court hears many Columbus forcible-entry cases. Cleveland’s rental-registration and lead-safe rules do not apply here." }, { "slug": "what-extra-rules-does-cleveland-have", "q": "What extra rules does Cleveland have?", "a": "Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cleveland has added rental-registration and lead-safe requirements for many units. Building and Housing plus 311 are the City doors. Confirm registration status for the unit. Columbus rules do not apply.", "href": "/rights/cities/cleveland-oh", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/cleveland-oh", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cleveland has added rental-registration and lead-safe requirements for many units. Building and Housing plus 311 are the City doors. Confirm registration status for the unit. Columbus rules do not apply." }, { "slug": "fort-worth-or-dallas", "q": "Fort Worth or Dallas?", "a": "Same Texas Property Code. Tarrant County justice court and Fort Worth Code Compliance for a Fort Worth address. Dallas County is the wrong stack. Do not mix them.", "href": "/rights/cities/fort-worth-tx", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/fort-worth-tx", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Same Texas Property Code. Tarrant County justice court and Fort Worth Code Compliance for a Fort Worth address. Dallas County is the wrong stack. Do not mix them." }, { "slug": "jacksonville-is-a-consolidated-city-county-so-what", "q": "Jacksonville is a consolidated city-county — so what?", "a": "Duval and the City share a government, which changes which door you knock on for code. Florida Chapter 83 is still the tenancy book. County court hears possession. A Miami-Dade process is not a Duval process.", "href": "/rights/cities/jacksonville-fl", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/jacksonville-fl", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Duval and the City share a government, which changes which door you knock on for code. Florida Chapter 83 is still the tenancy book. County court hears possession. A Miami-Dade process is not a Duval process." }, { "slug": "which-township-court-hears-my-indianapolis-eviction", "q": "Which township court hears my Indianapolis eviction?", "a": "Marion County township small-claims courts hear many possession cases. The township named on the paper matters. Indiana statutes are the baseline. A Chicago RLTO process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/cities/indianapolis-in/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/indianapolis-in/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Marion County township small-claims courts hear many possession cases. The township named on the paper matters. Indiana statutes are the baseline. A Chicago RLTO process does not apply." }, { "slug": "kansas-city-missouri-or-kansas-city-kansas", "q": "Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas City, Kansas?", "a": "The state line is a real legal line. This desk is Kansas City, Missouri. Confirm the Missouri county of the unit — Jackson, Clay, or Platte — before you file or answer. Kansas (the state) is a different stack.", "href": "/rights/cities/kansas-city-mo", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/kansas-city-mo", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The state line is a real legal line. This desk is Kansas City, Missouri. Confirm the Missouri county of the unit — Jackson, Clay, or Platte — before you file or answer. Kansas (the state) is a different stack." }, { "slug": "city-of-st-louis-or-st-louis-county", "q": "City of St. Louis or St. Louis County?", "a": "They are separate governments. A County ordinance or court is the wrong stack for a City address. Missouri statutes are the floor. The City Building Division inspects many conditions inside the City.", "href": "/rights/cities/st-louis-mo", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/st-louis-mo", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "They are separate governments. A County ordinance or court is the wrong stack for a City address. Missouri statutes are the floor. The City Building Division inspects many conditions inside the City." }, { "slug": "what-law-applies-to-albuquerque-rentals", "q": "What law applies to Albuquerque rentals?", "a": "New Mexico’s Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act is the statewide book. Albuquerque Code Enforcement and 311 are the City doors. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court hears many cases. Santa Fe rules do not apply here.", "href": "/rights/cities/albuquerque-nm", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/albuquerque-nm", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "New Mexico’s Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act is the statewide book. Albuquerque Code Enforcement and 311 are the City doors. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court hears many cases. Santa Fe rules do not apply here." }, { "slug": "is-tucson-the-same-as-phoenix-for-renters", "q": "Is Tucson the same as Phoenix for renters?", "a": "Same Arizona act. Different county court — Pima, not Maricopa. Tucson 311 / 792-CITY is the City door. Phoenix rumors are the wrong stack.", "href": "/rights/cities/tucson-az", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/tucson-az", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Same Arizona act. Different county court — Pima, not Maricopa. Tucson 311 / 792-CITY is the City door. Phoenix rumors are the wrong stack." }, { "slug": "does-urlta-apply-in-shelby-county", "q": "Does URLTA apply in Shelby County?", "a": "Tennessee’s uniform act is not automatic everywhere. Confirm for Shelby County. Memphis Code Enforcement and 311 are the conditions doors. General Sessions hears many evictions. A Nashville Metro process is not a Memphis process.", "href": "/rights/cities/memphis-tn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/memphis-tn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Tennessee’s uniform act is not automatic everywhere. Confirm for Shelby County. Memphis Code Enforcement and 311 are the conditions doors. General Sessions hears many evictions. A Nashville Metro process is not a Memphis process." }, { "slug": "which-magisterial-district-hears-my-pittsburgh-eviction", "q": "Which magisterial district hears my Pittsburgh eviction?", "a": "Most evictions start in a magisterial district court. The district number on the paper matters. Pittsburgh PLI inspects conditions. Philadelphia L&I is a different city. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act is the floor.", "href": "/rights/cities/pittsburgh-pa/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/pittsburgh-pa/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Most evictions start in a magisterial district court. The district number on the paper matters. Pittsburgh PLI inspects conditions. Philadelphia L&I is a different city. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act is the floor." }, { "slug": "city-of-orlando-or-orange-county", "q": "City of Orlando or Orange County?", "a": "Florida Chapter 83 is the book. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. A Miami-Dade or Tampa process is not an Orange County process.", "href": "/rights/cities/orlando-fl", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/orlando-fl", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Florida Chapter 83 is the book. Code enforcement depends on the address. County court hears possession. A Miami-Dade or Tampa process is not an Orange County process." }, { "slug": "does-jersey-city-have-rent-control", "q": "Does Jersey City have rent control?", "a": "Jersey City’s rent-leveling ordinance covers many units, on top of New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act. Newark’s ordinance is a different city. Confirm with the Division of Rent Leveling. Coverage is a unit question.", "href": "/rights/cities/jersey-city-nj/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/jersey-city-nj/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Jersey City’s rent-leveling ordinance covers many units, on top of New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act. Newark’s ordinance is a different city. Confirm with the Division of Rent Leveling. Coverage is a unit question." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-raleigh-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Raleigh eviction?", "a": "Wake County small claims — often called summary ejectment. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Raleigh 311/code is the conditions door. A Charlotte ordinance is not a Raleigh ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/raleigh-nc/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/raleigh-nc/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Wake County small claims — often called summary ejectment. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Raleigh 311/code is the conditions door. A Charlotte ordinance is not a Raleigh ordinance." }, { "slug": "salt-lake-city-or-salt-lake-county", "q": "Salt Lake City or Salt Lake County?", "a": "Utah’s Fit Premises Act is the book. Confirm City versus County for the address. Civic Enforcement / 311 is the City door. Justice court hears many evictions.", "href": "/rights/cities/salt-lake-city-ut", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/salt-lake-city-ut", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Utah’s Fit Premises Act is the book. Confirm City versus County for the address. Civic Enforcement / 311 is the City door. Justice court hears many evictions." }, { "slug": "is-tacoma-the-same-as-seattle-for-renters", "q": "Is Tacoma the same as Seattle for renters?", "a": "RCW 59.18 is shared. Tacoma’s local tenant-protection ordinances are not Seattle’s. Pierce County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer. A Seattle flyer is the wrong stack.", "href": "/rights/cities/tacoma-wa", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/tacoma-wa", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "RCW 59.18 is shared. Tacoma’s local tenant-protection ordinances are not Seattle’s. Pierce County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer. A Seattle flyer is the wrong stack." }, { "slug": "is-st-paul-the-same-as-minneapolis-for-renters", "q": "Is St. Paul the same as Minneapolis for renters?", "a": "Minnesota Chapter 504B is shared. St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections and local tenant-protection ordinances are the City layer. Minneapolis is a different desk on this site. Ramsey County Housing Court hears many cases.", "href": "/rights/cities/st-paul-mn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/st-paul-mn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Minnesota Chapter 504B is shared. St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections and local tenant-protection ordinances are the City layer. Minneapolis is a different desk on this site. Ramsey County Housing Court hears many cases." }, { "slug": "is-buffalo-under-nyc-housing-court-or-hpd", "q": "Is Buffalo under NYC Housing Court or HPD?", "a": "No. Buffalo is not New York City. New York State Real Property Law is the book. Buffalo City Court hears many eviction cases. 311 is the City door. Do not call NYC HPD about a Buffalo unit.", "href": "/rights/cities/buffalo-ny", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/buffalo-ny", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. Buffalo is not New York City. New York State Real Property Law is the book. Buffalo City Court hears many eviction cases. 311 is the City door. Do not call NYC HPD about a Buffalo unit." }, { "slug": "is-charlotte-the-same-as-the-rest-of-north-carolina-for-renters", "q": "Is Charlotte the same as the rest of North Carolina for renters?", "a": "North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Charlotte 311/code is the conditions door. Mecklenburg County small claims — summary ejectment hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/charlotte-nc", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/charlotte-nc", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Charlotte 311/code is the conditions door. Mecklenburg County small claims — summary ejectment hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-charlotte-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Charlotte if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Charlotte 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Charlotte 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/charlotte-nc/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/charlotte-nc/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Charlotte 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Charlotte 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-louisville-the-same-as-the-rest-of-kentucky-for-renters", "q": "Is Louisville the same as the rest of Kentucky for renters?", "a": "Confirm URLTA for Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Codes is the conditions door. Jefferson District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/louisville-ky", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/louisville-ky", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Confirm URLTA for Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Codes is the conditions door. Jefferson District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-louisville-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Louisville if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Louisville Metro 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA for Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Codes is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/louisville-ky/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/louisville-ky/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Louisville Metro 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA for Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Codes is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-oklahoma-city-the-same-as-the-rest-of-oklahoma-for-renters", "q": "Is Oklahoma City the same as the rest of Oklahoma for renters?", "a": "Oklahoma state law is the book. Oklahoma City 311/code is the conditions door. Oklahoma County district / small claims — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/oklahoma-city-ok", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/oklahoma-city-ok", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Oklahoma state law is the book. Oklahoma City 311/code is the conditions door. Oklahoma County district / small claims — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-oklahoma-city-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Oklahoma City if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Oklahoma City 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Oklahoma state law is the book. Oklahoma City 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/oklahoma-city-ok/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/oklahoma-city-ok/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Oklahoma City 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Oklahoma state law is the book. Oklahoma City 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-tulsa-the-same-as-the-rest-of-oklahoma-for-renters", "q": "Is Tulsa the same as the rest of Oklahoma for renters?", "a": "Oklahoma state law is the book. Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods is the conditions door. Tulsa County district / small claims — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/tulsa-ok", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/tulsa-ok", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Oklahoma state law is the book. Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods is the conditions door. Tulsa County district / small claims — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-tulsa-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Tulsa if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Oklahoma state law is the book. Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/tulsa-ok/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/tulsa-ok/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Oklahoma state law is the book. Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-fresno-the-same-as-the-rest-of-california-for-renters", "q": "Is Fresno the same as the rest of California for renters?", "a": "California Civil Code is the floor. Fresno 311/code is the conditions door. Confirm any local just-cause coverage with the City. Fresno County Superior Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/fresno-ca", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/fresno-ca", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "California Civil Code is the floor. Fresno 311/code is the conditions door. Confirm any local just-cause coverage with the City. Fresno County Superior Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-fresno-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Fresno if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Fresno — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. California Civil Code is the floor. Fresno 311/code is the conditions door. Confirm any local just-cause coverage with the City. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/fresno-ca/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/fresno-ca/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Fresno — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. California Civil Code is the floor. Fresno 311/code is the conditions door. Confirm any local just-cause coverage with the City. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-mesa-the-same-as-the-rest-of-arizona-for-renters", "q": "Is Mesa the same as the rest of Arizona for renters?", "a": "Arizona state law is the main rulebook. Mesa adds inspectors and 311, not a rent board. Maricopa County justice court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/mesa-az", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/mesa-az", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Arizona state law is the main rulebook. Mesa adds inspectors and 311, not a rent board. Maricopa County justice court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-mesa-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Mesa if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Mesa 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Arizona state law is the main rulebook. Mesa adds inspectors and 311, not a rent board. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/mesa-az/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/mesa-az/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Mesa 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Arizona state law is the main rulebook. Mesa adds inspectors and 311, not a rent board. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-omaha-the-same-as-the-rest-of-nebraska-for-renters", "q": "Is Omaha the same as the rest of Nebraska for renters?", "a": "Nebraska URLTA is the book. Omaha 311/code is the conditions door. Douglas County Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/omaha-ne", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/omaha-ne", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Nebraska URLTA is the book. Omaha 311/code is the conditions door. Douglas County Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-omaha-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Omaha if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Omaha 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Nebraska URLTA is the book. Omaha 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/omaha-ne/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/omaha-ne/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Omaha 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Nebraska URLTA is the book. Omaha 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-baton-rouge-the-same-as-the-rest-of-louisiana-for-renters", "q": "Is Baton Rouge the same as the rest of Louisiana for renters?", "a": "Louisiana Civil Code is the book. Confirm East Baton Rouge Parish for the court. East Baton Rouge Parish court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/baton-rouge-la", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/baton-rouge-la", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Louisiana Civil Code is the book. Confirm East Baton Rouge Parish for the court. East Baton Rouge Parish court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-baton-rouge-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Baton Rouge if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Louisiana Civil Code is the book. Confirm East Baton Rouge Parish for the court. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/baton-rouge-la/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/baton-rouge-la/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Louisiana Civil Code is the book. Confirm East Baton Rouge Parish for the court. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-cincinnati-the-same-as-the-rest-of-ohio-for-renters", "q": "Is Cincinnati the same as the rest of Ohio for renters?", "a": "Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cincinnati Buildings and Inspections is the conditions door. Hamilton County Municipal Court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/cincinnati-oh", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/cincinnati-oh", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cincinnati Buildings and Inspections is the conditions door. Hamilton County Municipal Court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-cincinnati-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Cincinnati if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Cincinnati 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cincinnati Buildings and Inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/cincinnati-oh/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/cincinnati-oh/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Cincinnati 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Ohio Chapter 5321 is the book. Cincinnati Buildings and Inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-richmond-the-same-as-the-rest-of-virginia-for-renters", "q": "Is Richmond the same as the rest of Virginia for renters?", "a": "Virginia VRLTA is the book. Richmond 311/code is the conditions door. Richmond General District Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/richmond-va", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/richmond-va", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Virginia VRLTA is the book. Richmond 311/code is the conditions door. Richmond General District Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-richmond-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Richmond if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Richmond 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Virginia VRLTA is the book. Richmond 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/richmond-va/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/richmond-va/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Richmond 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Virginia VRLTA is the book. Richmond 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-virginia-beach-the-same-as-the-rest-of-virginia-for-renters", "q": "Is Virginia Beach the same as the rest of Virginia for renters?", "a": "Virginia VRLTA is the book. Virginia Beach code enforcement is the conditions door. Virginia Beach General District Court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/virginia-beach-va", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/virginia-beach-va", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Virginia VRLTA is the book. Virginia Beach code enforcement is the conditions door. Virginia Beach General District Court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-virginia-beach-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Virginia Beach if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Virginia Beach — Citizen Services and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Virginia VRLTA is the book. Virginia Beach code enforcement is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/virginia-beach-va/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/virginia-beach-va/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Virginia Beach — Citizen Services and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Virginia VRLTA is the book. Virginia Beach code enforcement is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-greensboro-the-same-as-the-rest-of-north-carolina-for-renters", "q": "Is Greensboro the same as the rest of North Carolina for renters?", "a": "North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Greensboro 311/code is the conditions door. Guilford County small claims — summary ejectment hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/greensboro-nc", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/greensboro-nc", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Greensboro 311/code is the conditions door. Guilford County small claims — summary ejectment hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-greensboro-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Greensboro if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Greensboro 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Greensboro 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/greensboro-nc/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/greensboro-nc/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Greensboro 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. North Carolina Chapter 42 is the book. Greensboro 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-colorado-springs-the-same-as-the-rest-of-colorado-for-renters", "q": "Is Colorado Springs the same as the rest of Colorado for renters?", "a": "Colorado state law is the book. Colorado Springs code is the conditions door — not Denver’s stack. El Paso County Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/colorado-springs-co", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/colorado-springs-co", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Colorado state law is the book. Colorado Springs code is the conditions door — not Denver’s stack. El Paso County Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-colorado-springs-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Colorado Springs if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Colorado Springs — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Colorado state law is the book. Colorado Springs code is the conditions door — not Denver’s stack. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/colorado-springs-co/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/colorado-springs-co/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Colorado Springs — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Colorado state law is the book. Colorado Springs code is the conditions door — not Denver’s stack. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-aurora-the-same-as-the-rest-of-colorado-for-renters", "q": "Is Aurora the same as the rest of Colorado for renters?", "a": "Colorado state law is the book. Confirm the Colorado county of the unit. Denver is a different city. Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas County — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/aurora-co", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/aurora-co", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Colorado state law is the book. Confirm the Colorado county of the unit. Denver is a different city. Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas County — confirm the paper hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-aurora-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Aurora if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Aurora 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Colorado state law is the book. Confirm the Colorado county of the unit. Denver is a different city. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/aurora-co/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/aurora-co/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Aurora 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Colorado state law is the book. Confirm the Colorado county of the unit. Denver is a different city. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-boise-the-same-as-the-rest-of-idaho-for-renters", "q": "Is Boise the same as the rest of Idaho for renters?", "a": "Idaho state law is the book. Boise PDS/311 is the conditions door. Ada County magistrate court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/boise-id", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/boise-id", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Idaho state law is the book. Boise PDS/311 is the conditions door. Ada County magistrate court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-boise-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Boise if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Boise — Planning and Development Services and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Idaho state law is the book. Boise PDS/311 is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/boise-id/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/boise-id/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Boise — Planning and Development Services and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Idaho state law is the book. Boise PDS/311 is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-des-moines-the-same-as-the-rest-of-iowa-for-renters", "q": "Is Des Moines the same as the rest of Iowa for renters?", "a": "Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Polk County small claims — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/des-moines-ia", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/des-moines-ia", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Polk County small claims — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-des-moines-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Des Moines if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Des Moines 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/des-moines-ia/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/des-moines-ia/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Des Moines 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-little-rock-the-same-as-the-rest-of-arkansas-for-renters", "q": "Is Little Rock the same as the rest of Arkansas for renters?", "a": "Arkansas state law is the book. Little Rock 311/code is the conditions door. Pulaski County District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/little-rock-ar", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/little-rock-ar", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Arkansas state law is the book. Little Rock 311/code is the conditions door. Pulaski County District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-little-rock-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Little Rock if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Little Rock 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Arkansas state law is the book. Little Rock 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/little-rock-ar/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/little-rock-ar/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Little Rock 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Arkansas state law is the book. Little Rock 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-birmingham-the-same-as-the-rest-of-alabama-for-renters", "q": "Is Birmingham the same as the rest of Alabama for renters?", "a": "Alabama state law is the book. Birmingham 311/inspections is the conditions door. Jefferson County District Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/birmingham-al", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/birmingham-al", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Alabama state law is the book. Birmingham 311/inspections is the conditions door. Jefferson County District Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-birmingham-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Birmingham if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Birmingham 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Alabama state law is the book. Birmingham 311/inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/birmingham-al/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/birmingham-al/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Birmingham 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Alabama state law is the book. Birmingham 311/inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-charleston-the-same-as-the-rest-of-south-carolina-for-renters", "q": "Is Charleston the same as the rest of South Carolina for renters?", "a": "South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Charleston County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/charleston-sc", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/charleston-sc", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Charleston County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-charleston-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Charleston if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Charleston — Livability and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/charleston-sc/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/charleston-sc/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Charleston — Livability and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-columbia-the-same-as-the-rest-of-south-carolina-for-renters", "q": "Is Columbia the same as the rest of South Carolina for renters?", "a": "South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Columbia 311/code is the conditions door. Richland County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/columbia-sc", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/columbia-sc", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Columbia 311/code is the conditions door. Richland County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-columbia-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Columbia if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Columbia 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Columbia 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/columbia-sc/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/columbia-sc/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Columbia 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Columbia 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-anchorage-the-same-as-the-rest-of-alaska-for-renters", "q": "Is Anchorage the same as the rest of Alaska for renters?", "a": "Alaska URLTA is the book. Municipality of Anchorage code is the conditions door. Alaska District Court — Anchorage hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/anchorage-ak", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/anchorage-ak", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Alaska URLTA is the book. Municipality of Anchorage code is the conditions door. Alaska District Court — Anchorage hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-anchorage-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Anchorage if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Municipality of Anchorage and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Alaska URLTA is the book. Municipality of Anchorage code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/anchorage-ak/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/anchorage-ak/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Municipality of Anchorage and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Alaska URLTA is the book. Municipality of Anchorage code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-providence-the-same-as-the-rest-of-rhode-island-for-renters", "q": "Is Providence the same as the rest of Rhode Island for renters?", "a": "Rhode Island’s residential act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is the conditions door. Rhode Island District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/providence-ri", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/providence-ri", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Rhode Island’s residential act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is the conditions door. Rhode Island District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-providence-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Providence if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Providence Inspections and Standards and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Rhode Island’s residential act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/providence-ri/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/providence-ri/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Providence Inspections and Standards and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Rhode Island’s residential act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-hartford-the-same-as-the-rest-of-connecticut-for-renters", "q": "Is Hartford the same as the rest of Connecticut for renters?", "a": "Connecticut state law is the book. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is the conditions door. Connecticut Housing Session — Hartford hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/hartford-ct", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/hartford-ct", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Connecticut state law is the book. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is the conditions door. Connecticut Housing Session — Hartford hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-hartford-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Hartford if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Hartford 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Connecticut state law is the book. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/hartford-ct/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/hartford-ct/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Hartford 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Connecticut state law is the book. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-wichita-the-same-as-the-rest-of-kansas-for-renters", "q": "Is Wichita the same as the rest of Kansas for renters?", "a": "Kansas RLTA is the book. Wichita MABCD/311 is the conditions door. Sedgwick County District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/wichita-ks", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/wichita-ks", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Kansas RLTA is the book. Wichita MABCD/311 is the conditions door. Sedgwick County District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-wichita-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Wichita if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Wichita 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Kansas RLTA is the book. Wichita MABCD/311 is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/wichita-ks/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/wichita-ks/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Wichita 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Kansas RLTA is the book. Wichita MABCD/311 is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-reno-the-same-as-the-rest-of-nevada-for-renters", "q": "Is Reno the same as the rest of Nevada for renters?", "a": "Nevada state law is the book. Reno 311/code is the conditions door — not Las Vegas. Washoe County justice court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/reno-nv", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/reno-nv", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Nevada state law is the book. Reno 311/code is the conditions door — not Las Vegas. Washoe County justice court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-reno-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Reno if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Reno 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Nevada state law is the book. Reno 311/code is the conditions door — not Las Vegas. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/reno-nv/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/reno-nv/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Reno 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Nevada state law is the book. Reno 311/code is the conditions door — not Las Vegas. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-spokane-the-same-as-the-rest-of-washington-for-renters", "q": "Is Spokane the same as the rest of Washington for renters?", "a": "Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is the floor. Spokane’s rental program is local — confirm coverage. Spokane County Superior Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/spokane-wa", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/spokane-wa", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is the floor. Spokane’s rental program is local — confirm coverage. Spokane County Superior Court — unlawful detainer hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-spokane-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Spokane if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Spokane — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is the floor. Spokane’s rental program is local — confirm coverage. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/spokane-wa/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/spokane-wa/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Spokane — Code Enforcement and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is the floor. Spokane’s rental program is local — confirm coverage. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-grand-rapids-the-same-as-the-rest-of-michigan-for-renters", "q": "Is Grand Rapids the same as the rest of Michigan for renters?", "a": "Michigan state law is the book. Grand Rapids 311/code is the conditions door. 61st District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/grand-rapids-mi", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/grand-rapids-mi", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Michigan state law is the book. Grand Rapids 311/code is the conditions door. 61st District Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-grand-rapids-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Grand Rapids if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Grand Rapids 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Michigan state law is the book. Grand Rapids 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/grand-rapids-mi/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/grand-rapids-mi/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Grand Rapids 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Michigan state law is the book. Grand Rapids 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-rochester-the-same-as-the-rest-of-new-york-for-renters", "q": "Is Rochester the same as the rest of New York for renters?", "a": "New York State law is the book. Rochester City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Rochester City Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/rochester-ny", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/rochester-ny", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "New York State law is the book. Rochester City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Rochester City Court — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-rochester-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Rochester if the unit is not livable?", "a": "City of Rochester 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. New York State law is the book. Rochester City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/rochester-ny/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/rochester-ny/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "City of Rochester 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. New York State law is the book. Rochester City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-chattanooga-the-same-as-the-rest-of-tennessee-for-renters", "q": "Is Chattanooga the same as the rest of Tennessee for renters?", "a": "Confirm URLTA adoption for Hamilton County. Chattanooga 311/code is the conditions door. Hamilton County General Sessions — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/chattanooga-tn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/chattanooga-tn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Confirm URLTA adoption for Hamilton County. Chattanooga 311/code is the conditions door. Hamilton County General Sessions — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-chattanooga-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Chattanooga if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Chattanooga 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA adoption for Hamilton County. Chattanooga 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/chattanooga-tn/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/chattanooga-tn/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Chattanooga 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA adoption for Hamilton County. Chattanooga 311/code is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "is-knoxville-the-same-as-the-rest-of-tennessee-for-renters", "q": "Is Knoxville the same as the rest of Tennessee for renters?", "a": "Confirm URLTA adoption for Knox County. Knoxville Codes is the conditions door. Knox County General Sessions — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.", "href": "/rights/cities/knoxville-tn", "topic": "city", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/knoxville-tn", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Confirm URLTA adoption for Knox County. Knoxville Codes is the conditions door. Knox County General Sessions — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance." }, { "slug": "who-do-i-call-in-knoxville-if-the-unit-is-not-livable", "q": "Who do I call in Knoxville if the unit is not livable?", "a": "Knoxville 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA adoption for Knox County. Knoxville Codes is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.", "href": "/rights/cities/knoxville-tn/repairs", "topic": "repairs", "cluster": "repairs", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/cities/knoxville-tn/repairs", "takeaways": [ "Write the request. Date it. Keep a copy.", "Habitability is the floor; the remedy is state-specific.", "Do not skip rent on a national rumor." ], "speakable": "Knoxville 311 and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. Confirm URLTA adoption for Knox County. Knoxville Codes is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-an-eviction-in-alabama", "q": "What court hears an eviction in Alabama?", "a": "Many Alabama possession cases are filed as unlawful detainer in district court. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name a court or a case number mean a case has been filed. Call legal aid the same day. Do not import a Georgia magistrate dispossessory process.", "href": "/rights/alabama/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/alabama/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Many Alabama possession cases are filed as unlawful detainer in district court. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name a court or a case number mean a case has been filed. Call legal aid the same day. Do not import a Georgia magistrate dispossessory process." }, { "slug": "does-alabama-use-the-uniform-residential-landlord-and-tenant-act", "q": "Does Alabama use the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?", "a": "Alabama adopted a version of the URLTA. The official chapter is Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603. We name it. We do not reprint a day-count. Birmingham 311 is a City conditions door, not the statute.", "href": "/rights/alabama", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/alabama", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Alabama adopted a version of the URLTA. The official chapter is Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603. We name it. We do not reprint a day-count. Birmingham 311 is a City conditions door, not the statute." }, { "slug": "where-do-i-start-with-an-alaska-notice", "q": "Where do I start with an Alaska notice?", "a": "Read it for a court name. Alaska District Court is a common possession forum. Keep the paper. Legal aid the same day if a court is named. 211 still finds local services.", "href": "/rights/alaska/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/alaska/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Read it for a court name. Alaska District Court is a common possession forum. Keep the paper. Legal aid the same day if a court is named. 211 still finds local services." }, { "slug": "who-hears-an-eviction-in-arizona", "q": "Who hears an eviction in Arizona?", "a": "Justice courts hear most residential eviction cases. Phoenix is Maricopa County; Tucson is Pima County. Mixing those counties is the wrong stack. A landlord notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/arizona/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/arizona/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Justice courts hear most residential eviction cases. Phoenix is Maricopa County; Tucson is Pima County. Mixing those counties is the wrong stack. A landlord notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "is-arizona-a-urlta-state", "q": "Is Arizona a URLTA state?", "a": "Yes — the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Cities add inspectors and 311, not a statewide rent board. Confirm the county of the unit before you file or answer.", "href": "/rights/arizona", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/arizona", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Cities add inspectors and 311, not a statewide rent board. Confirm the county of the unit before you file or answer." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-an-arkansas-eviction", "q": "What court hears an Arkansas eviction?", "a": "District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Little Rock is Pulaski County. A landlord notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Do not import a Missouri process.", "href": "/rights/arkansas/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/arkansas/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Little Rock is Pulaski County. A landlord notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Do not import a Missouri process." }, { "slug": "does-arkansas-have-a-residential-landlord-tenant-act", "q": "Does Arkansas have a residential landlord-tenant act?", "a": "Yes — Ark. Code §§ 18-17-101 to 18-17-913. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a deposit cap or a notice period.", "href": "/rights/arkansas", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/arkansas", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — Ark. Code §§ 18-17-101 to 18-17-913. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a deposit cap or a notice period." }, { "slug": "is-california-rent-control-statewide", "q": "Is California rent control statewide?", "a": "No. The Civil Code is the statewide floor. Many cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Monica — run their own rent or just-cause programs. Coverage is an address question the city answers. Do not treat an LA RSO answer as a Fresno answer.", "href": "/rights/california/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/california/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No. The Civil Code is the statewide floor. Many cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Monica — run their own rent or just-cause programs. Coverage is an address question the city answers. Do not treat an LA RSO answer as a Fresno answer." }, { "slug": "what-is-an-unlawful-detainer-in-california", "q": "What is an unlawful detainer in California?", "a": "That is the Superior Court case to recover possession. A landlord notice is a step. An unlawful detainer with a case number is a case. Legal aid the same day. Stay Housed LA is a Los Angeles door, not a statewide court.", "href": "/rights/california/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/california/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the Superior Court case to recover possession. A landlord notice is a step. An unlawful detainer with a case number is a case. Legal aid the same day. Stay Housed LA is a Los Angeles door, not a statewide court." }, { "slug": "where-is-the-official-california-renter-page", "q": "Where is the official California renter page?", "a": "The Attorney General’s landlord-tenant page and California Legislative Information for the Civil Code. LawHelpCA is the legal-aid directory. This classroom cites those. It does not replace them.", "href": "/rights/california", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/california", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The Attorney General’s landlord-tenant page and California Legislative Information for the Civil Code. LawHelpCA is the legal-aid directory. This classroom cites those. It does not replace them." }, { "slug": "does-colorado-have-statewide-tenant-protection-rules", "q": "Does Colorado have statewide tenant-protection rules?", "a": "Colorado has added statewide tenant-protection statutes in recent years, on top of habitability rules. What is in force for this address is a now-question — confirm the official chapter and the city. A Denver ordinance is not a Colorado Springs ordinance.", "href": "/rights/colorado/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/colorado/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Colorado has added statewide tenant-protection statutes in recent years, on top of habitability rules. What is in force for this address is a now-question — confirm the official chapter and the city. A Denver ordinance is not a Colorado Springs ordinance." }, { "slug": "which-court-hears-a-colorado-eviction", "q": "Which court hears a Colorado eviction?", "a": "County Court hears many residential evictions. Confirm the county of the unit. A landlord notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/colorado/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/colorado/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "County Court hears many residential evictions. Confirm the county of the unit. A landlord notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-housing-session-in-connecticut", "q": "What is the Housing Session in Connecticut?", "a": "Connecticut hears many landlord-tenant cases in a Housing Session of the Superior Court. A notice is a step. Housing Session papers are same-day legal aid. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is not that court.", "href": "/rights/connecticut/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/connecticut/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Connecticut hears many landlord-tenant cases in a Housing Session of the Superior Court. A notice is a step. Housing Session papers are same-day legal aid. Hartford Licenses and Inspections is not that court." }, { "slug": "does-connecticut-add-rules-cities-do-not", "q": "Does Connecticut add rules cities do not?", "a": "Yes — statewide landlord-tenant statutes are the book. Cities add inspectors. Confirm Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-1 to 47a-75 rather than a New York Housing Court rumor.", "href": "/rights/connecticut", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/connecticut", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — statewide landlord-tenant statutes are the book. Cities add inspectors. Confirm Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-1 to 47a-75 rather than a New York Housing Court rumor." }, { "slug": "who-hears-an-eviction-in-delaware", "q": "Who hears an eviction in Delaware?", "a": "Justice of the Peace Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Delaware’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is the book. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 stops at the state line.", "href": "/rights/delaware/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/delaware/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Justice of the Peace Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Delaware’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is the book. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 stops at the state line." }, { "slug": "is-dc-rent-controlled", "q": "Is DC rent-controlled?", "a": "Many District units fall under rent stabilization administered by DHCD. Coverage is a unit question. The Office of Tenant Advocate is a local door. Maryland or Virginia rules do not apply.", "href": "/rights/district-of-columbia/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/district-of-columbia/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Many District units fall under rent stabilization administered by DHCD. Coverage is a unit question. The Office of Tenant Advocate is a local door. Maryland or Virginia rules do not apply." }, { "slug": "where-are-dc-possession-cases-heard", "q": "Where are DC possession cases heard?", "a": "Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. 311 and DHCD are City doors, not the court.", "href": "/rights/district-of-columbia/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/district-of-columbia/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. 311 and DHCD are City doors, not the court." }, { "slug": "does-florida-chapter-83-apply-the-same-in-miami-and-jacksonville", "q": "Does Florida Chapter 83 apply the same in Miami and Jacksonville?", "a": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is statewide. City and county code enforcement, and which county court hears the case, are local. Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Orange are different stacks. Confirm the county of the unit.", "href": "/rights/florida", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/florida", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is statewide. City and county code enforcement, and which county court hears the case, are local. Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Orange are different stacks. Confirm the county of the unit." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-florida-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Florida eviction?", "a": "County court hears most residential evictions. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the county court are a case. Legal aid the same day.", "href": "/rights/florida/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/florida/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "County court hears most residential evictions. A landlord notice is a step. Papers that name the county court are a case. Legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "what-is-a-dispossessory-in-georgia", "q": "What is a dispossessory in Georgia?", "a": "That is Georgia’s eviction case, often filed in magistrate court. A notice is a step. A dispossessory with a court name is a case. Fulton and DeKalb are different counties — confirm which one the unit sits in.", "href": "/rights/georgia/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/georgia/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is Georgia’s eviction case, often filed in magistrate court. A notice is a step. A dispossessory with a court name is a case. Fulton and DeKalb are different counties — confirm which one the unit sits in." }, { "slug": "where-is-the-official-georgia-handbook", "q": "Where is the official Georgia handbook?", "a": "The Department of Community Affairs and the Attorney General publish a Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Title 44 of the Official Code is the statute. This classroom cites those. It does not reprint a day-count.", "href": "/rights/georgia", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/georgia", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The Department of Community Affairs and the Attorney General publish a Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Title 44 of the Official Code is the statute. This classroom cites those. It does not reprint a day-count." }, { "slug": "is-honolulu-the-same-as-the-neighbor-islands-for-renters", "q": "Is Honolulu the same as the neighbor islands for renters?", "a": "Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are statewide. The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated government with its own code shop. District Court hears many cases. Neighbor-island rules and courts are not Honolulu’s.", "href": "/rights/hawaii", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/hawaii", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are statewide. The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated government with its own code shop. District Court hears many cases. Neighbor-island rules and courts are not Honolulu’s." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-an-idaho-eviction", "q": "What court hears an Idaho eviction?", "a": "Magistrate court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Ada County is Boise. Idaho statutes are the book. A Washington RCW 59.18 process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/idaho/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/idaho/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Magistrate court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Ada County is Boise. Idaho statutes are the book. A Washington RCW 59.18 process does not apply." }, { "slug": "is-illinois-the-same-as-chicago-for-renters", "q": "Is Illinois the same as Chicago for renters?", "a": "No. Illinois statutes are the statewide floor. Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (Municipal Code ch. 5-12) covers a large share of Chicago units — and not every unit, and not the suburbs. Cook County suburbs are a different ordinance. Confirm the address.", "href": "/rights/illinois", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/illinois", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. Illinois statutes are the statewide floor. Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (Municipal Code ch. 5-12) covers a large share of Chicago units — and not every unit, and not the suburbs. Cook County suburbs are a different ordinance. Confirm the address." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-an-illinois-eviction", "q": "What court hears an Illinois eviction?", "a": "Circuit Court, often in a municipal housing call in Chicago. A notice is a step. A forcible-entry filing is a case. Legal aid the same day.", "href": "/rights/illinois/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/illinois/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Circuit Court, often in a municipal housing call in Chicago. A notice is a step. A forcible-entry filing is a case. Legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "which-indiana-court-hears-my-eviction", "q": "Which Indiana court hears my eviction?", "a": "Township small-claims courts hear many possession cases in Marion County (Indianapolis). The township named on the paper matters. Indiana statutes are the baseline. A Chicago RLTO process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/indiana/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/indiana/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Township small-claims courts hear many possession cases in Marion County (Indianapolis). The township named on the paper matters. Indiana statutes are the baseline. A Chicago RLTO process does not apply." }, { "slug": "does-iowa-use-the-urlta", "q": "Does Iowa use the URLTA?", "a": "Yes — Iowa Code §§ 562A.1 to 562A.37. Small claims hears many evictions. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is a City door, not the statute. We do not reprint a day-count.", "href": "/rights/iowa", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/iowa", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — Iowa Code §§ 562A.1 to 562A.37. Small claims hears many evictions. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is a City door, not the statute. We do not reprint a day-count." }, { "slug": "kansas-city-kansas-or-kansas-city-missouri", "q": "Kansas City, Kansas or Kansas City, Missouri?", "a": "The state line is a real legal line. Kansas’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the Kansas book. Missouri has its own chapter. Wichita is Sedgwick County District Court. Do not mix them.", "href": "/rights/kansas", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/kansas", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The state line is a real legal line. Kansas’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the Kansas book. Missouri has its own chapter. Wichita is Sedgwick County District Court. Do not mix them." }, { "slug": "does-kentucky-s-urlta-apply-in-my-county", "q": "Does Kentucky’s URLTA apply in my county?", "a": "Kentucky’s uniform act is not automatic in every county. Confirm adoption for the county of the unit — Jefferson County (Louisville) is a different confirmation than Fayette (Lexington). District Court hears many evictions.", "href": "/rights/kentucky", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/kentucky", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Kentucky’s uniform act is not automatic in every county. Confirm adoption for the county of the unit — Jefferson County (Louisville) is a different confirmation than Fayette (Lexington). District Court hears many evictions." }, { "slug": "why-does-louisiana-look-different-from-other-states", "q": "Why does Louisiana look different from other states?", "a": "Lease rules live in the Civil Code — a different legal family than most of the country. Parish courts hear many evictions. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are different parish stacks. Do not import a Texas Property Code process.", "href": "/rights/louisiana", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/louisiana", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Lease rules live in the Civil Code — a different legal family than most of the country. Parish courts hear many evictions. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are different parish stacks. Do not import a Texas Property Code process." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-louisiana-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Louisiana eviction?", "a": "Parish courts — First City Court in parts of New Orleans, other parish courts elsewhere. Confirm the parish on the paper. A notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/louisiana/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/louisiana/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Parish courts — First City Court in parts of New Orleans, other parish courts elsewhere. Confirm the parish on the paper. A notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-maine-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Maine eviction?", "a": "District Court hears many Forcible Entry and Detainer cases. Maine landlord-tenant statutes are the book. A Massachusetts Housing Court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/maine/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/maine/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "District Court hears many Forcible Entry and Detainer cases. Maine landlord-tenant statutes are the book. A Massachusetts Housing Court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "what-is-rent-court-in-maryland", "q": "What is rent court in Maryland?", "a": "District Court hears many failure-to-pay and tenant-holding-over cases, often called rent court. Baltimore City is not Baltimore County. Confirm the government of the address. A notice is a step.", "href": "/rights/maryland/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/maryland/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "District Court hears many failure-to-pay and tenant-holding-over cases, often called rent court. Baltimore City is not Baltimore County. Confirm the government of the address. A notice is a step." }, { "slug": "does-maryland-add-rules-on-top-of-the-federal-fair-housing-act", "q": "Does Maryland add rules on top of the federal Fair Housing Act?", "a": "Yes — Maryland and some counties add protected classes and local rental-licensing rules. Baltimore City has its own stack. Confirm with the City or County housing office, not with a DC DHCD rumor.", "href": "/rights/maryland", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/maryland", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — Maryland and some counties add protected classes and local rental-licensing rules. Baltimore City has its own stack. Confirm with the City or County housing office, not with a DC DHCD rumor." }, { "slug": "what-is-summary-process-in-massachusetts", "q": "What is summary process in Massachusetts?", "a": "That is the eviction case, often heard in Housing Court where a session exists, otherwise District Court. A notice to quit is a step. Summary-process papers are same-day legal aid.", "href": "/rights/massachusetts/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/massachusetts/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the eviction case, often heard in Housing Court where a session exists, otherwise District Court. A notice to quit is a step. Summary-process papers are same-day legal aid." }, { "slug": "does-boston-have-extra-rules", "q": "Does Boston have extra rules?", "a": "Boston has added local tenant-protection rules on top of Massachusetts law. Cambridge is a different city. Confirm with the City of Boston Office of Housing. We do not reprint a cap.", "href": "/rights/massachusetts/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/massachusetts/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Boston has added local tenant-protection rules on top of Massachusetts law. Cambridge is a different city. Confirm with the City of Boston Office of Housing. We do not reprint a cap." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-michigan-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Michigan eviction?", "a": "District Court. Detroit’s 36th District is not Grand Rapids’ 61st. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Michigan statutes are the floor.", "href": "/rights/michigan/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/michigan/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "District Court. Detroit’s 36th District is not Grand Rapids’ 61st. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid. Michigan statutes are the floor." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-minnesota-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Minnesota eviction?", "a": "Housing Court in some Twin Cities counties; district court elsewhere. Confirm the county on the paper. A notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/minnesota/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/minnesota/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Housing Court in some Twin Cities counties; district court elsewhere. Confirm the county on the paper. A notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-mississippi-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Mississippi eviction?", "a": "Justice court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Mississippi’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. A Louisiana Civil Code process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/mississippi/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/mississippi/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Justice court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Mississippi’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. A Louisiana Civil Code process does not apply." }, { "slug": "city-of-st-louis-st-louis-county-or-kansas-city", "q": "City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, or Kansas City?", "a": "Three different governments. Missouri statutes are the floor. Kansas City, Missouri is not Kansas City, Kansas. Confirm the county — Jackson, Clay, Platte, or the City of St. Louis.", "href": "/rights/missouri", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/missouri", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Three different governments. Missouri statutes are the floor. Kansas City, Missouri is not Kansas City, Kansas. Confirm the county — Jackson, Clay, Platte, or the City of St. Louis." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-missouri-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Missouri eviction?", "a": "Associate circuit or other local court named on the paper. A notice is a step. Legal aid the same day if a court is named.", "href": "/rights/missouri/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/missouri/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Associate circuit or other local court named on the paper. A notice is a step. Legal aid the same day if a court is named." }, { "slug": "does-montana-use-the-urlta", "q": "Does Montana use the URLTA?", "a": "Montana has a Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Mont. Code Title 70, chapter 24). Justice court hears many cases. A Colorado ordinance does not apply. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number.", "href": "/rights/montana", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/montana", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Montana has a Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Mont. Code Title 70, chapter 24). Justice court hears many cases. A Colorado ordinance does not apply. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number." }, { "slug": "does-nebraska-use-the-urlta", "q": "Does Nebraska use the URLTA?", "a": "Yes — Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449. County Court hears many evictions. Omaha and Lincoln are different City doors. A Iowa small-claims rumor is the wrong state.", "href": "/rights/nebraska", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/nebraska", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449. County Court hears many evictions. Omaha and Lincoln are different City doors. A Iowa small-claims rumor is the wrong state." }, { "slug": "las-vegas-or-reno-does-it-matter", "q": "Las Vegas or Reno — does it matter?", "a": "Nevada’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is statewide. Justice court hears many evictions. Clark County (Las Vegas) is not Washoe County (Reno). Confirm the city versus unincorporated county for code complaints.", "href": "/rights/nevada", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/nevada", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Nevada’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is statewide. Justice court hears many evictions. Clark County (Las Vegas) is not Washoe County (Reno). Confirm the city versus unincorporated county for code complaints." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-new-hampshire-eviction", "q": "What court hears a New Hampshire eviction?", "a": "Circuit Court, District Division, hears many landlord-tenant cases. RSA 540 and 540-A are the books. A Massachusetts Housing Court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/new-hampshire/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-hampshire/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Circuit Court, District Division, hears many landlord-tenant cases. RSA 540 and 540-A are the books. A Massachusetts Housing Court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-anti-eviction-act-in-new-jersey", "q": "What is the Anti-Eviction Act in New Jersey?", "a": "New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act lists grounds for many evictions — it is not a rumor, and coverage still depends on the housing. Special Civil Part / landlord-tenant court hears the case. A New York Housing Court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/new-jersey/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-jersey/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "New Jersey’s statewide Anti-Eviction Act lists grounds for many evictions — it is not a rumor, and coverage still depends on the housing. Special Civil Part / landlord-tenant court hears the case. A New York Housing Court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "do-newark-and-jersey-city-have-rent-control", "q": "Do Newark and Jersey City have rent control?", "a": "Many New Jersey cities run their own rent-leveling ordinances on top of the statewide act. Newark’s ordinance is not Jersey City’s. Coverage is a unit question the City administers. Confirm with that city’s rent office.", "href": "/rights/new-jersey/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-jersey/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Many New Jersey cities run their own rent-leveling ordinances on top of the statewide act. Newark’s ordinance is not Jersey City’s. Coverage is a unit question the City administers. Confirm with that city’s rent office." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-uniform-owner-resident-relations-act", "q": "What is the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act?", "a": "That is New Mexico’s statewide residential book (N.M. Stat. §§ 47-8-1 to 47-8-51). Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court hears many Albuquerque cases. Santa Fe is a different city. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a day-count.", "href": "/rights/new-mexico", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-mexico", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "That is New Mexico’s statewide residential book (N.M. Stat. §§ 47-8-1 to 47-8-51). Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court hears many Albuquerque cases. Santa Fe is a different city. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a day-count." }, { "slug": "is-new-york-state-the-same-as-new-york-city-for-renters", "q": "Is New York State the same as New York City for renters?", "a": "No. Real Property Law and the RPAPL are statewide. NYC adds the Housing Maintenance Code, HPD, 311, and Housing Court in the five boroughs. HCR administers rent-regulated housing. Buffalo, Rochester, and the rest of the state are not HPD. Do not call NYC HPD about an upstate unit.", "href": "/rights/new-york", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-york", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "No. Real Property Law and the RPAPL are statewide. NYC adds the Housing Maintenance Code, HPD, 311, and Housing Court in the five boroughs. HCR administers rent-regulated housing. Buffalo, Rochester, and the rest of the state are not HPD. Do not call NYC HPD about an upstate unit." }, { "slug": "what-is-a-summary-proceeding-in-new-york", "q": "What is a summary proceeding in New York?", "a": "That is the court case to recover possession. In the five boroughs it is NYC Housing Court. Elsewhere it is often City Court or another local court named on the paper. A landlord notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid.", "href": "/rights/new-york/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-york/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the court case to recover possession. In the five boroughs it is NYC Housing Court. Elsewhere it is often City Court or another local court named on the paper. A landlord notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid." }, { "slug": "is-good-cause-eviction-the-same-as-rent-stabilization", "q": "Is Good Cause eviction the same as rent stabilization?", "a": "No. Rent-regulated status is a unit question HCR answers. Good Cause is a statewide overlay with its own exemptions. Coverage is not every unit. Ask legal aid with the lease. Do not treat a social-media summary as the map.", "href": "/rights/new-york/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/new-york/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No. Rent-regulated status is a unit question HCR answers. Good Cause is a statewide overlay with its own exemptions. Coverage is not every unit. Ask legal aid with the lease. Do not treat a social-media summary as the map." }, { "slug": "what-is-summary-ejectment-in-north-carolina", "q": "What is summary ejectment in North Carolina?", "a": "That is the small-claims eviction case, often in the county of the unit — Wake for Raleigh, Mecklenburg for Charlotte, Guilford for Greensboro. A notice is a step. Summary-ejectment papers are same-day legal aid. Chapter 42 is the book.", "href": "/rights/north-carolina/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/north-carolina/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the small-claims eviction case, often in the county of the unit — Wake for Raleigh, Mecklenburg for Charlotte, Guilford for Greensboro. A notice is a step. Summary-ejectment papers are same-day legal aid. Chapter 42 is the book." }, { "slug": "what-law-covers-north-dakota-rentals", "q": "What law covers North Dakota rentals?", "a": "N.D. Cent. Code chapter 47-16 (leasing of real property) is the starting point. District Court hears many cases. A Minnesota Chapter 504B process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/north-dakota", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/north-dakota", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "N.D. Cent. Code chapter 47-16 (leasing of real property) is the starting point. District Court hears many cases. A Minnesota Chapter 504B process does not apply." }, { "slug": "is-cleveland-the-same-as-columbus-or-cincinnati-for-renters", "q": "Is Cleveland the same as Columbus or Cincinnati for renters?", "a": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 is shared. City codes and courts are not. Cleveland has added rental-registration and lead-safe rules. Columbus is Franklin County Municipal Court. Cincinnati is Hamilton County Municipal Court. Use the city of the unit.", "href": "/rights/ohio", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/ohio", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 is shared. City codes and courts are not. Cleveland has added rental-registration and lead-safe rules. Columbus is Franklin County Municipal Court. Cincinnati is Hamilton County Municipal Court. Use the city of the unit." }, { "slug": "what-is-forcible-entry-in-ohio", "q": "What is forcible entry in Ohio?", "a": "That is the possession case in municipal or county court. A notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case. Legal aid the same day.", "href": "/rights/ohio/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/ohio/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the possession case in municipal or county court. A notice is a step. Papers that name the court are a case. Legal aid the same day." }, { "slug": "oklahoma-city-or-tulsa", "q": "Oklahoma City or Tulsa?", "a": "Same Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Different city code shops and different county courts. Do not mix them. A Texas justice-court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/oklahoma", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/oklahoma", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Same Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Different city code shops and different county courts. Do not mix them. A Texas justice-court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "what-are-sb-608-sb-611-and-hb-2001-in-oregon", "q": "What are SB 608, SB 611, and HB 2001 in Oregon?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants names those session laws on their Know Your Rights page: SB 608 (just-cause / rent-increase overlay), SB 611 (rent-cap protections), and House Bill 2001 (eviction timelines). The names are real. The current text is a now-question in ORS Chapter 90. We do not reprint a cap or a day-count.", "href": "/rights/oregon/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/oregon/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants names those session laws on their Know Your Rights page: SB 608 (just-cause / rent-increase overlay), SB 611 (rent-cap protections), and House Bill 2001 (eviction timelines). The names are real. The current text is a now-question in ORS Chapter 90. We do not reprint a cap or a day-count." }, { "slug": "oregon-cat-oregonrentersrights-org-or-211info", "q": "Oregon CAT, oregonrentersrights.org, or 211info?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants is a tenants union. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. 211info.org is regional 211. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. Four different doors. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute.", "href": "/rights/oregon", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants is a tenants union. oregonrentersrights.org is a self-help handbook hub and a pointer to the Eviction Defense Project. 211info.org is regional 211. Oregon Law Help is legal aid. Four different doors. ORS Chapter 90 is the statute." }, { "slug": "where-do-oregon-sample-renter-letters-actually-live", "q": "Where do Oregon sample renter letters actually live?", "a": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes repair, move-out, and deposit samples on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. oregonrentersrights.org publishes handbooks and letters. This classroom points at those files. It does not host a copy that will go stale.", "href": "/rights/oregon", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/oregon", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Community Alliance of Tenants publishes repair, move-out, and deposit samples on oregoncat.org/know-your-rights. oregonrentersrights.org publishes handbooks and letters. This classroom points at those files. It does not host a copy that will go stale." }, { "slug": "magisterial-district-or-municipal-court", "q": "Magisterial district or Municipal Court?", "a": "Most Pennsylvania evictions start in a magisterial district court. Philadelphia Municipal Court is the City exception. Pittsburgh PLI is not Philadelphia L&I. The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 is the statewide floor.", "href": "/rights/pennsylvania/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/pennsylvania/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Most Pennsylvania evictions start in a magisterial district court. Philadelphia Municipal Court is the City exception. Pittsburgh PLI is not Philadelphia L&I. The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 is the statewide floor." }, { "slug": "does-philadelphia-add-extra-rules", "q": "Does Philadelphia add extra rules?", "a": "Yes — Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause rules for many tenancies. Coverage is a unit question. A Pittsburgh process is the wrong city.", "href": "/rights/pennsylvania", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/pennsylvania", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Yes — Licenses and Inspections, the Fair Housing Commission, and local just-cause rules for many tenancies. Coverage is a unit question. A Pittsburgh process is the wrong city." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-rhode-island-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Rhode Island eviction?", "a": "District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is a City door, not the court. Massachusetts Housing Court does not apply.", "href": "/rights/rhode-island/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/rhode-island/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "District Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the book. Providence Inspections and Standards is a City door, not the court. Massachusetts Housing Court does not apply." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-south-carolina-eviction", "q": "What court hears a South Carolina eviction?", "a": "Magistrate court hears many cases. The SCRLTA is the statewide book. Charleston Livability is not Columbia code. Confirm the county on the paper.", "href": "/rights/south-carolina/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/south-carolina/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Magistrate court hears many cases. The SCRLTA is the statewide book. Charleston Livability is not Columbia code. Confirm the county on the paper." }, { "slug": "what-law-covers-south-dakota-rentals", "q": "What law covers South Dakota rentals?", "a": "S.D. Codified Laws chapter 43-32 is the starting point. Circuit Court hears many cases. A Minnesota or Iowa process does not apply. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number.", "href": "/rights/south-dakota", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/south-dakota", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "S.D. Codified Laws chapter 43-32 is the starting point. Circuit Court hears many cases. A Minnesota or Iowa process does not apply. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number." }, { "slug": "does-tennessee-s-urlta-apply-in-my-county", "q": "Does Tennessee’s URLTA apply in my county?", "a": "The uniform act is not automatic everywhere. Confirm adoption for Davidson (Nashville), Shelby (Memphis), Knox (Knoxville), or Hamilton (Chattanooga). General Sessions hears many evictions. A Nashville Metro process is not a Memphis process.", "href": "/rights/tennessee", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tennessee", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The uniform act is not automatic everywhere. Confirm adoption for Davidson (Nashville), Shelby (Memphis), Knox (Knoxville), or Hamilton (Chattanooga). General Sessions hears many evictions. A Nashville Metro process is not a Memphis process." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-tennessee-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Tennessee eviction?", "a": "General Sessions Court in most counties. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid.", "href": "/rights/tennessee/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/tennessee/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "General Sessions Court in most counties. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-texas-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Texas eviction?", "a": "Justice court. Houston is Harris County; Dallas is Dallas County; Fort Worth is Tarrant; Austin is Travis; San Antonio is Bexar. Mixing counties is the wrong stack. A landlord notice is not a judgment.", "href": "/rights/texas/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/texas/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Justice court. Houston is Harris County; Dallas is Dallas County; Fort Worth is Tarrant; Austin is Travis; San Antonio is Bexar. Mixing counties is the wrong stack. A landlord notice is not a judgment." }, { "slug": "does-texas-have-a-statewide-rent-board", "q": "Does Texas have a statewide rent board?", "a": "No. Chapter 92 of the Property Code is the book. Cities add code enforcement and, in some cases, local tenant-protection ordinances that change. Austin’s stack is not Houston’s. Confirm what is in force with the City — not a 2021 flyer.", "href": "/rights/texas/rent-increase", "topic": "rent-increase", "cluster": "rent-increase", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/texas/rent-increase", "takeaways": [ "A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month.", "Notice periods and caps are local, not national.", "Retaliation and discrimination rules may still apply even where rent is unregulated." ], "speakable": "No. Chapter 92 of the Property Code is the book. Cities add code enforcement and, in some cases, local tenant-protection ordinances that change. Austin’s stack is not Houston’s. Confirm what is in force with the City — not a 2021 flyer." }, { "slug": "can-a-texas-landlord-lock-me-out", "q": "Can a Texas landlord lock me out?", "a": "Texas has specific statutory rules on lockouts, and they are easy to get wrong. Photograph what happened. Call legal aid the same day. 911 if you are locked out tonight and unsafe. This desk does not reprint the lockout procedure.", "href": "/rights/texas/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/texas/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Texas has specific statutory rules on lockouts, and they are easy to get wrong. Photograph what happened. Call legal aid the same day. 911 if you are locked out tonight and unsafe. This desk does not reprint the lockout procedure." }, { "slug": "what-is-the-fit-premises-act", "q": "What is the Fit Premises Act?", "a": "Utah Code §§ 57-22-1 to 57-22-7 is the habitability book. Justice court hears many evictions. Salt Lake City versus Salt Lake County is a real line for code complaints.", "href": "/rights/utah/habitability", "topic": "habitability", "cluster": "habitability", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/utah/habitability", "takeaways": [ "Habitability is a legal floor, not a preference list.", "City code enforcement can inspect without a court case.", "Remedies differ by state. Confirm before you skip rent." ], "speakable": "Utah Code §§ 57-22-1 to 57-22-7 is the habitability book. Justice court hears many evictions. Salt Lake City versus Salt Lake County is a real line for code complaints." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-vermont-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Vermont eviction?", "a": "Superior Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Title 9 residential rental statutes are the book. A New Hampshire Circuit Court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/vermont/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/vermont/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Superior Court hears many landlord-tenant cases. Title 9 residential rental statutes are the book. A New Hampshire Circuit Court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "what-is-an-unlawful-detainer-in-virginia", "q": "What is an unlawful detainer in Virginia?", "a": "That is the General District Court possession case. Richmond is not Virginia Beach. The VRLTA is statewide. A Maryland rent-court process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/virginia/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/virginia/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "That is the General District Court possession case. Richmond is not Virginia Beach. The VRLTA is statewide. A Maryland rent-court process does not apply." }, { "slug": "does-virginia-beach-add-extra-rules", "q": "Does Virginia Beach add extra rules?", "a": "The VRLTA is the book. City code enforcement is local. Confirm City of Virginia Beach versus another independent city or county before you file a complaint.", "href": "/rights/virginia", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/virginia", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "The VRLTA is the book. City code enforcement is local. Confirm City of Virginia Beach versus another independent city or county before you file a complaint." }, { "slug": "is-seattle-the-same-as-the-rest-of-washington", "q": "Is Seattle the same as the rest of Washington?", "a": "RCW 59.18 is statewide. Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have added local just-cause, notice, and relocation rules. Those ordinances stop at the city line. Spokane has its own rental program. Use the city of the unit.", "href": "/rights/washington", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/washington", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "RCW 59.18 is statewide. Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have added local just-cause, notice, and relocation rules. Those ordinances stop at the city line. Spokane has its own rental program. Use the city of the unit." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-washington-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Washington eviction?", "a": "Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. King County for Seattle; Pierce for Tacoma; Spokane County for Spokane. A landlord notice is not a judgment. City ordinances do not replace that court.", "href": "/rights/washington/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/washington/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. King County for Seattle; Pierce for Tacoma; Spokane County for Spokane. A landlord notice is not a judgment. City ordinances do not replace that court." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-west-virginia-eviction", "q": "What court hears a West Virginia eviction?", "a": "Magistrate court hears many landlord-tenant cases. W. Va. Code chapter 37, article 6 is a starting point. An Ohio or Virginia process does not apply.", "href": "/rights/west-virginia/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/west-virginia/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Magistrate court hears many landlord-tenant cases. W. Va. Code chapter 37, article 6 is a starting point. An Ohio or Virginia process does not apply." }, { "slug": "is-milwaukee-the-same-as-madison-for-renters", "q": "Is Milwaukee the same as Madison for renters?", "a": "Wisconsin Chapter 704 is the floor. Milwaukee has local rental-inspection rules. Small-claims eviction in Milwaukee County is not a Madison ordinance. Confirm the city of the unit.", "href": "/rights/wisconsin", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/wisconsin", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Wisconsin Chapter 704 is the floor. Milwaukee has local rental-inspection rules. Small-claims eviction in Milwaukee County is not a Madison ordinance. Confirm the city of the unit." }, { "slug": "what-court-hears-a-wisconsin-eviction", "q": "What court hears a Wisconsin eviction?", "a": "Small claims. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid.", "href": "/rights/wisconsin/eviction", "topic": "eviction", "cluster": "eviction", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/wisconsin/eviction", "takeaways": [ "A landlord notice is usually a step, not an eviction.", "Court papers name a court, a case number, or an appearance date.", "Deadlines live in your state chapter. This desk does not invent them." ], "speakable": "Small claims. A notice is a step. Court papers are same-day legal aid." }, { "slug": "what-law-covers-wyoming-rentals", "q": "What law covers Wyoming rentals?", "a": "Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 address residential rental property. Circuit Court hears many cases. A Colorado tenant-protection rumor is the wrong state. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number.", "href": "/rights/wyoming", "topic": "rights", "cluster": "rights", "url": "https://renterprotection.org/rights/wyoming", "takeaways": [ "Federal law is a floor, mainly around discrimination and consumer protection.", "State law supplies the main landlord–tenant rules.", "Cities and leases can add duties. They rarely subtract federal civil rights." ], "speakable": "Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 address residential rental property. Circuit Court hears many cases. A Colorado tenant-protection rumor is the wrong state. We name the chapter. We do not reprint a number." } ] }