Federal law overview
Federal law provides a baseline through the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.) for discrimination protections. Most landlord-tenant law is state law — security deposit timelines, habitability standards, and retaliation protections vary significantly by state.
Generic AI prompt template
I vacated my rental at [ADDRESS] on [MOVE-OUT DATE] and gave proper written notice on [NOTICE DATE]. My landlord [LANDLORD NAME] has failed to return my security deposit of $[AMOUNT] within the time allowed by [STATE] law. Draft a formal demand letter that: (1) states the legal deadline for returning deposits in [STATE] (see state law section), (2) demands return of $[AMOUNT] or an itemized statement of deductions within [STATE DEADLINE] days, (3) states that failure to comply will result in a small claims court action for the deposit plus any statutory penalty allowed by [STATE] law, and (4) is addressed to [LANDLORD NAME, ADDRESS].
State-specific guides — Tenant / Landlord Paperwork
5 states live now. All 50 states in progress — updated annually.
- Alabama (coming soon)
- Alaska (coming soon)
- Arizona (coming soon)
- Arkansas (coming soon)
- California
- Colorado (coming soon)
- Connecticut (coming soon)
- Delaware (coming soon)
- Florida
- Georgia (coming soon)
- Hawaii (coming soon)
- Idaho (coming soon)
- Illinois
- Indiana (coming soon)
- Iowa (coming soon)
- Kansas (coming soon)
- Kentucky (coming soon)
- Louisiana (coming soon)
- Maine (coming soon)
- Maryland (coming soon)
- Massachusetts (coming soon)
- Michigan (coming soon)
- Minnesota (coming soon)
- Mississippi (coming soon)
- Missouri (coming soon)
- Montana (coming soon)
- Nebraska (coming soon)
- Nevada (coming soon)
- New Hampshire (coming soon)
- New Jersey (coming soon)
- New Mexico (coming soon)
- New York
- North Carolina (coming soon)
- North Dakota (coming soon)
- Ohio (coming soon)
- Oklahoma (coming soon)
- Oregon (coming soon)
- Pennsylvania (coming soon)
- Rhode Island (coming soon)
- South Carolina (coming soon)
- South Dakota (coming soon)
- Tennessee (coming soon)
- Texas
- Utah (coming soon)
- Vermont (coming soon)
- Virginia (coming soon)
- Washington (coming soon)
- West Virginia (coming soon)
- Wisconsin (coming soon)
- Wyoming (coming soon)
Frequently asked questions
What is the implied warranty of habitability? +
Most states recognize that landlords must maintain rental units in a livable condition — functional plumbing, heat, and structural safety are baseline requirements. If a landlord fails to make repairs after written notice, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate the lease depending on state law.
Can I record my landlord without permission? +
Recording laws vary by state. One-party consent states (federal law default) allow you to record conversations you are part of. Two-party consent states require all parties to consent. Do not record without understanding your state's law.
What if my landlord retaliates after I complain? +
Most states prohibit landlord retaliation — rent increases, eviction notices, or service reductions following a habitability complaint. Document the timeline: complaint date, landlord's response date, and any subsequent adverse action.
Should I send my demand letter via certified mail? +
Yes. Certified mail with return receipt creates a legal record that the letter was delivered on a specific date. Keep the green card (or tracking confirmation) with your copy of the letter.