The right way to protect your rights as a tenant

On Behalf of | Jun 27, 2017 | Landlord-Tenant

When renting, you know that it is extremely important to take the appropriate steps to protect your rights before and after signing a rental agreement. You have certain rights as a renter, but you may be unsure of how to protect your interests when problems arise.

As a New York tenant, you may find it beneficial to secure legal assistance in order to protect yourself. This effort can shield you from unnecessary problems in the future, as well as provide a full explanation of your rights while renting property. When it comes to your home and your family, you do not want to risk facing complex legal issues alone.

What can I do to protect myself?

Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to protect yourself as a renter. From the very beginning, you can work to mitigate potential complications and possibly prevent unnecessary problems in the future. Advocates for tenants’ rights recommend some that will help you do this, including the following:

  • Complete all necessary paperwork and read all documents carefully before signing.
  • Seek an explanation of the terms included in the lease agreement before you sign.
  • Request any changes or agreements between you and the landlord in writing.
  • Make sure that any provisions in the lease or rental agreement do not violate your right to privacy in any way.
  • Fight for timely repairs to any issues or damage found on the property.
  • Protect yourself by getting renter’s insurance and being careful to preserve your security deposit.

A rental or lease agreement is a legal document, which means that it can be complicated to read and understand. It can be quite useful to seek help in understanding the legalese and making sure that you are not about to walk into a potentially negative situation. Practice caution before you sign on the bottom line.

Why an attorney matters

You may think that you do not really need an attorney simply to protect your interests as a renter. However, it can ultimately save you both time and money in the future to have the right help from the very beginning. If an issue does arise in the future, you will have an experienced legal ally ready to advocate on your behalf.

Where you will live is an important issue, and you should not take your rights as a tenant lightly. You have nothing to lose by knowing your options and fully understanding your entitlements. You certainly do not want to wait until there is a problem to reach out for the legal guidance you deserve.