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topic
Tenant Rights & Eviction
"What can my landlord actually do — and what do I have to take?"
in plain english
Habitability, notice, and due process are baked into both federal rules and state property codes.
Federal fair-housing law sets the outer limits: landlords can't discriminate on protected characteristics, and federally-backed properties have additional notice rules. Beneath that, every state recognizes an 'implied warranty of habitability' — the place must be safe and livable regardless of what the lease says.
Eviction is a court process, not a self-help remedy. Locking you out, shutting off utilities, or removing your belongings without a court order is illegal in nearly every state. The UCC governs the security-deposit accounting and any goods left behind.
in the margin
- Implied warranty of habitability
- Unwritten promise that a rental is fit to live in.
- Self-help eviction
- When a landlord tries to force you out without court — generally illegal.
Hover a node to trace connections
eCFR42 USC § 3604
Fair Housing Act
Landlords can't refuse, charge more, or set different terms based on protected traits.
Source: Code of Federal Regulations
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