Landlord/Tenant law covers all aspects of renting a property. Lawyers can help landlords create an enforceable lease without any illegal provisions. Landlords will probably find landlord tenant attorneys and invaluable source of information regarding the laws for security deposits, repairs and maintenance, and eviction.
Similarly, tenants may need to consult with a lawyer when they believe their landlord has done something illegal, such as failing to repair a faulty electrical system. Tenant attorneys are also very familiar with the various government aid programs designed to help struggling tenants find housing.
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Practice Area Notes
Like most of real estate law, landlord/tenant law is governed by the states, which means the rules and deadlines in one state may not be valid in another state. Additionally, many cities have special renting laws that only apply within city limits. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City have rent control laws in place that set limits on how much a landlord can charge for rent, but most other cities within California and New York have no such laws in place. Some cities, such as Washington D.C., have height restrictions on buildings that commercial landlords must consider before building a new property. Since landlord/tenant law varies by area, it is very important to speak with a local attorney if you have an issue with your rental.
Finally, if you wish to speak with a landlord/tenant lawyer, be sure you contact an attorney that habitually represents people in your position. Many landlord/tenant attorneys exclusively represent landlords and will be unable to represent tenants without creating a conflict of interest. Other attorneys exclusively represent tenants, while some firms represent both landlords and tenants.
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Contact a qualified attorney to make sure your rights and interests get protected.