Intermediate terms

Landlord-Tenant Legislation: Key Terms Collection

Navigate the evolving landscape of landlord-tenant laws with this carefully curated collection of key terms. Designed for investors, these definitions clarify commonly referenced concepts that directly impact your rights and responsibilities, helping you stay informed.

Learning Path

Landlord-Tenant Law

Landlord-tenant law is the body of statutes and ordinances governing the legal relationship between property owners and renters, defining their rights and responsibilities regarding leases, rent, maintenance, and evictions.

Intermediate13-14 min

Rent Control

Rent control refers to government-imposed limits on the amount landlords can charge for rent and the rate at which rents can be increased, typically enacted to promote housing affordability.

Intermediate13-14 min

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlord responsibilities are the legal and ethical duties property owners owe to their tenants and rental properties, encompassing maintenance, safety, legal compliance, and financial management to ensure habitability and fair treatment.

Beginner5-6 min

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot, offering independent living facilities for one or more persons, often used by investors to generate additional rental income or increase property value.

Intermediate5-6 min

Property Tax Assessment

Property tax assessment is the process by which local government appraisers determine the taxable value of real estate, serving as the basis for calculating annual property taxes.

Intermediate4-5 min

Tenant Rights

Tenant rights are the legal protections and entitlements afforded to individuals who rent property, ensuring fair treatment, safe living conditions, and protection against discrimination and unlawful eviction.

Intermediate15-18 min

Landlord Rights

Landlord rights are the legal entitlements and protections afforded to property owners who lease their real estate to tenants, allowing them to manage their investments, collect rent, and enforce lease agreements within legal boundaries.

Intermediate5 min

Zoning Laws

Zoning laws are local government regulations that divide land into districts and specify the types of uses and development permitted within each district, impacting property value and investment potential.

Intermediate15-18 min

Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property, including rent, duration, and responsibilities.

Beginner18-20 min

Just Cause Eviction

Just Cause Eviction laws require landlords to have a legally specified, valid reason to terminate a tenancy, providing significant protection to tenants against arbitrary evictions.

Intermediate5-6 min

Property Taxes

Property taxes are recurring taxes levied by local governments on real estate, based on its assessed value, to fund public services and infrastructure.

Beginner12-13 min

Rent Increase

A rent increase is when a landlord raises the amount of money a tenant pays for rent, typically at the end of a lease term. It's a common practice to keep up with rising costs and market values.

Beginner3 min

Cash Flow

Cash flow in real estate investing represents the net income generated by a property after all operating expenses and debt service payments have been made. Positive cash flow indicates profitability, while negative cash flow suggests a loss.

Intermediate2-3 min

Habitability Standards

Habitability standards are legal requirements that mandate landlords provide and maintain rental properties in a safe, healthy, and livable condition, ensuring essential services and structural integrity for tenants.

Intermediate5 min

Investment Climate

The investment climate refers to the sum of economic, political, social, and regulatory factors that influence the attractiveness and risk of investing in a particular market or asset class.

Intermediate5 min

Section 8 Housing Program

The Section 8 Housing Program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal initiative that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the private market.

Intermediate5 min

Eviction Moratorium

An eviction moratorium is a temporary ban on evictions, typically enacted by governmental authorities during emergencies, preventing landlords from removing tenants for specific reasons, often non-payment of rent.

Intermediate5 min

Compliance Risk

Compliance risk in real estate investing refers to the potential for legal penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage resulting from failure to adhere to laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Intermediate4-6 min

Regulatory Environment

The regulatory environment in real estate investing encompasses the laws, rules, and government policies that govern property acquisition, development, ownership, and management, significantly impacting investment decisions and operational strategies.

Intermediate5 min

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

Intermediate12-13 min