Myths and Facts About Renting

As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as well as what your landlord can and cannot do. Check out this list of common myths about renting.

Myth: Your landlord can evict you immediately or have you arrested for not paying your rent.
Fact: You cannot be arrested for nonpayment of rent. However, after a missed payment your landlord can start the steps of terminating the lease and initiate eviction procedures.

Myth: Tenants can be evicted if they lose their job or become disabled.
Fact: While these things are not reason for eviction on their own, the loss of income may lead to missing rent payments which could result in an eviction.

Myth: Your landlord’s insurance covers your personal belongings.
Fact: Tenants must have their own renter’s insurance to protect their personal property. The landlord’s insurance is usually only for their property and/or the dwelling itself.

Myth: When renting a condo or a townhouse, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay the homeowners association/condo fees.
Fact: In many cases this is the landlord’s responsibility, but it’s important to read your lease to understand whether you’re obligated to pay these fees.

Myth: Your landlord can enter your dwelling to inspect the property whenever they like and as often as they like.
Fact: Your landlord must give you advance notice before entering your home.

Myth: Tenants can withhold rent until the landlord makes repairs.
Fact: Tenants can never withhold rent. During a dispute, you must follow the correct court procedures. Learn more here.

To learn more, sign up for our free renter education class!