Some of the most common complaints landlords have about tenants include:

• Non-payment of rent
• Late payment of rent
• Excessive noise and disturbance
• Misuse of the security deposit (many tenants use this for the last month’s rent)
• Disputes over maintenance responsibilities (usually the landlord’s duty)
• Damaging the property
• Violating the terms of the lease agreement
• Threatening to file a lawsuit

While landlords have rights, tenants also have their own legal rights.

Here are some things that landlords CANNOT do:

• A landlord cannot enter the property without prior notice to the tenant. Surprise visits or checks are unlawful, and landlords must notify the tenant before entering.
• If the property becomes unlivable and the repair costs exceed 50% of the rent agreed upon, the tenant has the right to vacate the premises within a month or even within 15 days after giving notice.
• The landlord is responsible for providing basic amenities like electricity, water, and parking, and they cannot disconnect these services even if the tenant has not paid rent.
• Tenants have the right to request a written lease agreement. If the landlord offers only a verbal agreement, the tenant should refuse, as verbal agreements are not legally enforceable.
• A landlord cannot evict a tenant immediately, even with valid reasons. A notice period, typically one month, must be provided.
• The heir of a deceased tenant has the right to continue the tenancy. A landlord cannot ask them to vacate without proper notice or a valid reason.