The landlord-tenant relationship is often fraught with miscommunication and ambiguity as to each party’s obligations.  Find out about protective laws, ways to protect renter belongings, and renter energy efficiency.  Find out about affordable housing to avoid homelessness.

 Whether a tenant is renting a room, an apartment,  a house, or a duplex, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by federal, state and local laws. Here you will find resources that explain the landlord-tenant relationship and what are your rights as a tenant.

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A landlord is a person or a company that owns a rental unit. Before renting a rental unit to a tenant, a landlord must make the unit fit to live in, or habitable. Additionally, while the unit is being rented, the landlord must repair problems that make the rental unit unfit to live in, or uninhabitable.

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It is unlawful to discriminate in housing based on any one or more of these factors:  race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (families with children under the age of 18, or who are expecting a child), handicap (if you or someone close to you has a disability).  If you believe you have been denied housing or the opportunity to apply for it because of one of the above characteristics, contact the U.S. Dept. of HUD Fair Housing Division, California State Department of Fair Employment & Housing or your local non-profit agencies providing Fair Housing Services.

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The landlord is not normally able to insure a tenant's personal property through their rental property insurance policy. There are a number of reasons why, including the fact that neither the landlord, nor the insurer, has any knowledge or control of the extent or value of the contents that may be brought into the property.  News reports of apartment fires often include tragic stories of renters who have lost everything because they weren't insured.  Your landlord does not provide insurance for your personal property.  Having all your personal possessions destroyed in a fire or other insurable event, without coverage, is a tragedy that does not have to happen.

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Even if you rent an apartment, townhouse, or a home, you can make a big difference, too! The following informaiton will show you how to be more energy efficient and save energy, money, and reduce the risks of global warming. If there are things you can't change on your own, share these tips and encourage your landlord to help you make a change for the better.  

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If it seems "too good to be true," it probably is.  Does the monthly rent for the apartment seem unusually low? Investigate similar apartments in your desired area to determine the approximate rent you should expect to pay. Trust your instincts and walk away from any suspicious rental situations.

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