Applications and Fees

• A landlord may require an application fee.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The landlord may charge a non refundable application fee for the purpose of checking credit and rental history prior to entering into a rental agreement. The prospective tenant has the right to be informed of the screening service being used. If the landlord is performing these checks himself, he must disclose the resources he will be using. The criteria used to reject an application must also be disclosed.
  
  In the case of an application being rejected, the screening service or landlord must furnish any and all information obtained that caused the determination of rejection. If the landlord fails to accommodate any of the aforementioned requirements, the applicant has a right to a refund of the total amount of the application fee.
  
  

Security Deposits

• Tenants must be supplied with the bank location and account number where the security deposit is held.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Before paying a security deposit, the tenant has the right to be presented a list of any and all existing damage to the rental property that could be cause for a deduction against the deposit in the future. The tenant has the right to inspect the property prior to occupying the unit. Upon agreement regarding the condition of the rental property, both parties must sign the inspection list and include it with the rental agreement.
  
  After receipt of the security deposit, the landlord must deposit it into an account deemed solely for that purpose. Any tenant who pays a security deposit on a residential property has the right to be informed of the bank location, contact information and the account number where the deposit will be held.
  
  Upon termination or expiration of the lease, the landlord will inspect the property to assess any damages other than normal wear and tear. The tenant has the right to a full refund of the security deposit, less any charges for repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear.
  
  

Occupancy

• Tenants have the right to a healthy and safe living environment.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  The tenant has the right to a healthy and safe living environment, both within the dwelling and all common areas. Tenants' rights include continued maintenance and repair of the rental property, as long as any repair falls under normal wear and tear, and is no fault of the owner or any other occupants residing within the household.
  
  

Essential Services

• Landlords must make essential services available to tenant.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Running water, heat, gas, hot water and electricity are all essential services. If, for any reason and by no fault of the tenant, the landlord fails to make available any essential services to the occupants of the rental property, the tenant has a right to remedy the situation and deduct the cost of any remedies from the next month's rent. If the dwelling becomes uninhabitable due to a lack of essential services, the tenant has the right to find substitute shelter until the services have been restored, and the right to deduct the cost of substitute shelter up to the amount of monthly rent from the monthly rental payment. If applicable, tenants may also collect from the landlord any attorney's fees accrued to rectify the problem.