Renting a place to live should come with a sense of security and peace. Unfortunately, not every tenant feels that way—often because they don’t know their rights. Many landlords follow the rules, but some overstep boundaries, whether intentionally or not. Understanding what landlords can't do is just as important as knowing what they can, and this knowledge can empower you to protect your home and your peace of mind.
1. Enter Without Proper Notice
One of the most common violations tenants face is unauthorized entry by landlords. While landlords do have the right to access the property for repairs or inspections, they usually must provide advance notice—typically 24 to 48 hours, depending on local laws.
A landlord cannot simply show up unannounced or let themselves in without your permission unless it’s an emergency. Emergencies include things like fire, flooding, or a suspected gas leak. If a landlord continues to violate this rule, they may be infringing on your legal right to privacy.
2. Change the Locks or Evict Without Legal Process
No matter how strained the landlord-tenant relationship becomes, your landlord cannot change the locks or kick you out without going through the legal eviction process. This includes providing proper notice and giving you a chance to respond in court.
Changing the locks, cutting off utilities, or physically removing your belongings without a court order is called a “self-help eviction” and it’s illegal in most places. Tenants have a right to due process, and landlords who ignore this can face legal penalties.
3. Discriminate Against You
Discrimination is not just unethical—it’s against the law. Under the Fair Housing Act (in the U.S.) and similar laws in other countries, landlords cannot refuse to rent or treat you differently because of your race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
Some areas offer even broader protection, covering sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income. If you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly due to personal characteristics, you may have grounds to file a formal complaint or take legal action.
4. Retaliate Against You for Complaining
Have you ever worried that reporting a leaky roof or broken heater would get you evicted? That fear is common—but you’re protected against retaliation. Landlords cannot raise your rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction because you’ve filed a complaint, joined a tenants’ union, or reported them to a housing authority.
These protections are in place to encourage tenants to stand up for safe, livable housing. If a landlord takes negative action against you shortly after a complaint, it could be considered retaliatory and illegal.
5. Neglect Necessary Repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining a habitable living environment. This includes ensuring that plumbing, electricity, heating, and structural elements like the roof and walls are in working order. If your home becomes unsafe or unlivable due to neglect, you may have the right to withhold rent or even break your lease without penalty.
However, it's important to follow your local procedures for reporting repairs. Usually, you must notify the landlord in writing and give them a reasonable amount of time to fix the issue. If they ignore your request, you may have legal options.
6. Enter Into Unfair Lease Terms
Leases are legal contracts, but that doesn’t mean anything goes. Some clauses, even if signed, are not enforceable. For example, a lease that says you waive your right to a safe living environment or allow the landlord to enter at any time may be invalid.
Tenants have the right to fair and reasonable lease terms. If something seems questionable, don’t assume it’s set in stone just because it’s written down. Local housing laws often override private agreements when tenant rights are at stake.
7. Raise Rent Without Notice
Landlords can typically raise the rent, but only within certain limits and with advance notice. The amount of notice required depends on local regulations, but 30 to 60 days is standard in many areas.
Some regions have rent control laws, which limit how much rent can be increased annually. Sudden or excessive rent hikes without proper notice could be unlawful. Always check your lease and local laws if you receive a rent increase notice.
8. Invade Your Privacy
Your home is your private space, even if you rent it. Landlords can't install cameras inside your unit, open your mail, or pry into your personal life. Any attempt to spy, monitor, or harass you is a serious violation of your privacy.
Some landlords may try to overstep under the guise of safety or maintenance. While they can have legitimate reasons to access certain areas, they must respect boundaries and follow the law.
9. Ignore Lease Agreements
Once a lease is signed, both parties are legally bound by its terms. Landlords can’t decide halfway through to change the rules—like suddenly banning pets or limiting the number of guests—unless the lease already includes that flexibility.
Even if you’re on a month-to-month lease, changes usually require written notice. If a landlord tries to add new restrictions or remove promised services without your agreement, they could be in breach of contract.
10. Fail to Return Your Security Deposit Without Reason
Security deposits are meant to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear—not to pad the landlord’s wallet. At the end of your lease, your landlord must either return your deposit or provide a detailed list of deductions, usually within a certain time frame (often 14–30 days).
Keeping your deposit without explanation is illegal in most areas. If this happens, you may be entitled to recover the full amount and additional damages through small claims court.
11. Harass or Threaten You
Landlords do not have the right to intimidate or harass tenants. This includes aggressive behavior, threats, or frequent, unnecessary visits designed to pressure you to move out or stay silent.
Harassment can also be subtle—such as making repeated complaints about your guests or questioning your personal habits. If a landlord’s behavior crosses the line into harassment, you can document it and seek legal protection.
12. Refuse to Accommodate Disabilities
If you're a tenant with a disability, you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations. This might include allowing a service animal despite a no-pet policy or installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Refusing such accommodations can be considered discrimination under housing laws. Landlords must work with tenants to ensure the property is accessible and livable.
Final Thoughts
Being a tenant comes with responsibilities—but also with rights that should never be overlooked. Knowing what landlords can’t do not only protects you from abuse or exploitation, it helps foster healthier and more respectful rental relationships. Whether you're renting for the first time or have years of experience, staying informed is your best defense.
If you ever feel your rights are being violated, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local tenants' rights organization or legal aid service. You deserve a safe, respectful place to call home—free from unlawful intrusion or mistreatment.
