Applicability

• The Landlord and Tenant Act generally applies to any rental agreement for property to be used as a dwelling place, but the law excludes a number of specific situations. The law does not apply to mobile home park rentals or publicly operated low-cost housing programs. The law also excludes hotel or motel rooms occupied for less than 30 days, premises occupied primarily for agricultural purposes, premises occupied under a rent-to-own agreement, condominium units and college dormitories.
  
  

Landlord Obligations

• The landlord must maintain the premises in a habitable condition that complies with housing and health codes. Specific requirements include providing building and grounds maintenance, hot and cold running water, effective sewage disposal, effective waterproofing and weather protection, adequate heating and a working electrical system. The landlord must provide the tenant with 45 days' notice before raising the rent and must inform the tenant if the property is sold or becomes subject to foreclosure proceedings.
  
  

Tenant Obligations

• The tenant must comply with the rental agreement and must maintain the dwelling unit in a clean and safe condition. The tenant must use the provided facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner, including electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and sanitary devices. The tenant must dispose of garbage properly and keep plumbing fixtures as clean as possible. The tenant and her guests may not engage in any conduct that disturbs other tenants.
  
  

Rights

• The landlord has a right to enter the rented premises to inspect, make repairs or show the dwelling unit to prospective tenants or other interested parties. Except in emergencies, the tenant is entitled to at least 24 hours' notice that the landlord intends to enter and may limit the landlord's entry to normal business hours. The tenant has the right to display a United States' flag made of cloth or paper within the area that he occupies.
  
  

Remedies

• A landlord may terminate the rental agreement after giving five days' notice to a tenant who violates the agreement. If the tenant does not vacate the premises, the landlord must file a civil action to regain possession. A tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost from his rent if the landlord does not respond to written notice of the problem within 14 days, but this remedy does not apply if the tenant is responsible for the damage.