Know your renters rights in 2024: pets, subleasing, roommates, and more

Discover how 2024 legislation impacts key renters rights, including pets, subleasing, and roommates

Understanding your rights as a renter: key issues and protections

Renting a place to call home can offer freedom and flexibility, but it’s important to know that as a renter, you have rights that protect you. Whether you’re concerned about your security deposit, unexpected rent increases, repairs, or eviction, renters rights in 2024 vary by state but provide essential safeguards. In this guide, we’ll break down common issues renters face and highlight how different state laws protect tenants like you. Let’s dive in to help you stay informed and feel confident in your rental journey.

Security deposits: how much, when, and what’s fair?

Security deposits are a standard part of renting. This money covers any damage beyond normal wear and tear when you move out. Unfortunately, disputes over security deposits are one of the most common sources of conflict between landlords and tenants.

State example: Renters rights in California vs. Texas

• California legislation passed in 2024 limits security deposits to a maximum of one month’s rent for unfurnished and furnished units. Landlords are required to return the deposit within 21 days of move-out, along with an itemized list of any deductions. For deductions exceeding $125, landlords must provide copies of receipts for repairs or cleaning costs.
• Texas doesn’t place a cap on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit. However, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, accompanied by any deductions. If the deposit isn’t returned or if you feel the deductions were unfair, Texas law allows tenants to take legal action, and they could win up to three times the deposit amount.

Rent increases: are there limits?

One of the biggest concerns regarding renters rights is the potential for rent hikes. While some states have laws that regulate rent increases, others allow landlords to raise the rent as much as they want, provided they give proper notice.

State example: Renters rights in Oregon vs. Florida

• Oregon has a statewide rent control law that caps rent increases at 10% plus inflation per year for most properties, as of 2024. Landlords must give 90 days’ notice for any rent increase. Additionally, rent control applies to buildings more than 15 years old, providing further stability for long-term renters.
• Florida doesn’t have any statewide rent control. Landlords can increase the rent by any amount as long as they provide sufficient notice—usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the lease terms. This makes Florida one of the more flexible states for landlords but can leave tenants facing steep increases.

Roost Tip: Before signing a lease, check your state’s rent control laws and ask your landlord about potential rent increases. This way, you’re not caught off guard during lease renewal time.

Pets: do landlords have the final say?

Many renters love having pets, but it’s important to know that landlords often set the rules when it comes to furry friends. While landlords can prohibit pets, some laws protect tenants in specific circumstances, such as service animals or emotional support animals.

State example: Renters rights in Massachusetts vs. Alabama

• In Massachusetts, landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone with a service animal or emotional support animal, even if there is a no-pets policy. Under federal and state law, tenants with these animals are protected, and landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits for them.
• In Alabama, 2024 legislation still aligns with federal law, offering protection for service animals but not extending any additional state-specific protections for emotional support animals. Landlords can charge a pet deposit or monthly pet rent for standard pets but are not allowed to do so for service animals.

Roommates and subleasing: can you share the space?

Whether you’re moving in with friends or need to sublease while you’re away, it’s important to know the rules about roommates and subleasing. Not all landlords allow subletting, and some require approval for additional occupants.

State example: Renters rights in Illinois vs. North Carolina

• In Illinois, 2024 legislation allows tenants to sublease, but they must obtain the landlord’s written consent. If a landlord unreasonably withholds consent, the tenant may be allowed to sublease without further permission, though landlords can require screening of the sublessee.
• In North Carolina, subleasing is not regulated by specific state law, leaving it to the lease agreement. Most leases in the state do not allow subletting unless specifically stated. If the lease permits subletting, tenants must typically get the landlord’s approval.

Repairs and maintenance: who’s responsible?

As a renter, you’re entitled to a safe, livable home. This means your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and making necessary repairs to keep it up to health and safety standards.

State example: Renters rights in New York vs. Arizona

• In New York, landlords must keep apartments in habitable condition. If repairs aren’t made, tenants can withhold rent or report the issue to the city’s housing department, which can lead to fines for the landlord.
• Arizona gives tenants the right to request repairs. If the landlord doesn’t respond within a set time (typically five days for critical issues like water or heat), tenants can either make repairs and deduct the cost from rent or legally break the lease.

Best practice: Always notify your landlord in writing when repairs are needed and keep records of your requests. If things don’t get fixed, know your local laws to explore options like withholding rent or reporting the issue.

Eviction: when and how can it happen?

Eviction is a serious and stressful situation, but your landlord can’t just kick you out without following legal procedures. Eviction laws differ by state, but they generally require landlords to provide notice and file an official eviction suit before you have to leave.

State example: Renters rights in Washington vs. Georgia

• In Washington, as of 2024, landlords must provide a 30-day notice to pay overdue rent before filing for eviction. For other lease violations, they are required to give 10 days’ notice. Washington continues to offer strong protections against retaliatory evictions, meaning landlords cannot evict tenants for reporting unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions.
• Georgia allows landlords to give just seven days’ notice for rent nonpayment before initiating eviction proceedings. The process can move quickly, with tenants sometimes needing to appear in court within a few days after receiving the notice. Georgia does not provide the same level of tenant protection against retaliatory eviction as states like Washington.

Discrimination: you’re protected under federal law

The Fair Housing Act protects renters from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, and more. Some states go even further by adding protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.

State example: Renters rights in Colorado vs. North Carolina

• In Colorado, 2024 legislation has expanded existing protections. Landlords are prohibited from discriminating based on sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income. This means landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on these characteristics, further strengthening tenant protections.
• North Carolina continues to follow federal law but hasn’t introduced any new statewide protections for sexual orientation or gender identity in 2024. However, several local jurisdictions within the state have enacted their own anti-discrimination ordinances, offering additional protections in certain areas.

Best practice: If you feel you’ve been discriminated against, file a complaint with your local housing authority or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Always keep records of interactions with landlords or rental agents in case you need to back up your claims.

Lease agreements: what to look for before signing

Your lease is your contract with your landlord, and it spells out the terms of your rental agreement, including rent amount, due dates, rules about pets, and lease termination. While some verbal agreements might be binding, having everything in writing is your best protection.

State example: Renters rights in Illinois vs. Nevada

• In Illinois, 2024 legislation still requires landlords to provide tenants with a written copy of the lease. The state enforces strict rules about lease termination, including expanded rights for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, allowing them to break their lease early without penalty under certain conditions.
• Nevada allows verbal month-to-month rental agreements, but leases lasting longer than one year must now be in writing, following 2024 updates. Having a written lease gives tenants better legal standing in disputes, especially around issues like security deposits or early termination.

Roost’s commitment to renters rights in 2024

At Roost, we’re more than just a platform—we’re here to make renting easier and more transparent for tenants. Whether it’s ensuring you get your security deposit back or helping you set up fast, electronic refunds when you move out, Roost simplifies the process so you can focus on enjoying your home. Plus, Roost is the only security deposit automation company with SOC 2 Type II compliance, which means we take your data security as seriously as you take your living situation.

Renting doesn’t have to be complicated. With Roost, you get the tools and support to protect your rights and your wallet every step of the way.