Landlord-tenant law is one of the most locally-variable areas of law in the country — what's standard in one state can be illegal in the next. This isn't a substitute for checking your specific state and local ordinances, but it covers the categories every landlord needs to understand before they lease their first unit.
Security Deposits
States vary widely on maximum deposit amounts (some cap at one month's rent, others allow two or more), where the deposit must be held (some require a separate interest-bearing account), and the timeline for returning it after move-out (typically 14-30 days, with an itemized list of any deductions). Missing your state's return deadline can mean owing the tenant penalties on top of the deposit itself.
Notice Requirements
Entering a unit, ending a month-to-month tenancy, and raising rent all typically require advance written notice — but the exact number of days varies by state and sometimes by city. Some rent-controlled jurisdictions also cap how much and how often rent can be raised, regardless of notice given.
Habitability Standards
Every state has an implied warranty of habitability — basic requirements like working plumbing, heat, and structural safety that landlords must maintain regardless of what the lease says. Failing to address serious habitability issues can give tenants legal grounds to withhold rent or terminate the lease early in many states.
Required Disclosures
Federal law requires lead paint disclosure for properties built before 1978. Many states add their own required disclosures on top of that — mold history, bed bug history, flood zone status, or the property's utility metering setup. These requirements are easy to overlook and vary enough that you genuinely need to check your specific state.
Fair Housing Protections
The federal Fair Housing Act protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Many states and cities add additional protected categories — source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Your screening criteria and advertising need to comply with the broadest set of protections that applies to your property's location.
The Bottom Line
None of this is a substitute for checking your specific state and local requirements, ideally with a local attorney before you lease your first unit. Laws change, and "it worked for my friend in another state" is not a legal defense.