Chapter 13 — Legal & Rights
What are my rights as a renter?
Vary by country and city, but common protections include: written lease, notice before entry (usually 24 hours), habitability standards (heat, hot water, working plumbing), security deposit rules, and notice before eviction. Read your lease and local tenant law.
Follow-up questions
Can a landlord raise rent whenever?
During a fixed-term lease, no. At renewal, generally yes unless rent control applies (NYC, LA, Berlin, parts of Scotland).
Who pays for repairs?
Landlord for habitability and normal wear-and-tear. Tenant for damage they caused.
How much notice to evict?
Varies widely — 30 days is common for no-cause where allowed, 3 days for non-payment, up to 60–90 days in tenant-friendly cities.
Can I withhold rent?
Rarely — even for serious repair issues, most jurisdictions require you to escrow rent or follow a formal process. Withholding without process risks eviction.
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