Two empty chairs at a table with a notepad

Rights

When should I contact the Eviction Defense Project?

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.

You do not have to solve the whole case tonight. Take the next right step.

Key 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.

Do this today

  1. Search your state for the official chapter.
  2. Keep the lease next to the notice.
  3. If a court is named, call legal aid the same day.

What this page is not

  • Not a national statute we wrote.
  • Not a replacement for the official chapter.
  • Not legal advice.

Confirm it locally

Caps, clocks, and entry hours live in your state chapter. Search below, or take the paper to legal aid if a court is named.

    Full rights guide

    People also ask

    Official sources

    Cluster: Rights

    Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org