Tenants: Protect Yourself in Rental Agreements
by: Iowa Legal Aid
When clients come into our office due to a landlord-tenant dispute, one of the first questions we ask them is what kind of records they have kept during their tenancy. Having documented evidence to bring to court often is the difference between winning and losing. Photos, receipts, leases and correspondence are all important when preparing for a court case.
Treat every landlord-tenant arrangement as if you will one day have to explain the whole situation to a judge. It is up to you to protect yourself by keeping detailed records of your tenancy. This means:
- Putting in writing any important messages to your landlord and keeping a copy;
- Keeping copies of all written documents;
- Getting receipts for rental payments, and for the return of keys to your landlord. While there is no law forcing a landlord to give you a receipt, you should request one. If your landlord refuses, try paying with a personal check or money order. Before you sign a lease, ask the landlord if they give receipts. If they don't, you should think twice about renting from them;
- Having a witness handy to see or hear anything that could later be the subject of dispute;
- Taking photos of any condition of the rental property which you may want to describe to a judge later on, including taking photos showing that you have cleaned everything thoroughly;
- Keeping a record of when important events took place (for example: when you first complained about the need for repairs, or when the landlord came in without knocking).
- You should also pick up all certified mail from the post office right away. A landlord can send you very important notices by certified mail. If you fail to pick them up you can lose your rights without even realizing it until it is too late.
It is best to avoid conflicts by trying to maintain a feeling of cooperation and consideration in a landlord-tenant relationship. No one likes going to court. But by treating every rental arrangement as though it could end up before a judge, you'll be prepared for the time if and when it does.
Any tenant with problems involving an eviction, or other landlord/tenant law questions should see an attorney for advice. To find out the number of the Iowa Legal Aid office serving your area, call 1-800-532-1275. You also may find useful information in other articles posted on this Iowa Legal Aid website.
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