Renting a place to live is a business relationship with the landlord. Landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities. Following are a few common areas of landlord/tenant conflict.

What can be done if a landlord won't make repairs?

• Send a letter to the landlord listing all the problems.
• Ask the local housing inspector to visit and verify problems.
• Keep a copy of the letter and inspection report. If repairs aren't made in 14 days, you can file a court action called a rent escrow. In rent escrow, rent is paid to court instead of to the landlord.
• It's not a good idea to make the repairs and deduct the cost from rent unless a court order allows you to repair and deduct.

Can a security deposit be used for last month's rent?

• No, unless it is agreed upon in writing with the landlord, last month's rent needs to be paid. If it's not, the landlord can evict the renters or sue them in Conciliation Court.

A renter is responsible for the actions of children and guests. So something a visitor does can be a reason for eviction. A landlord's permission is necessary to have a friend or relative move in if there is a written lease. If there's not a written lease, it would be wise to get written permission from the landlord. Not obtaining this could be basis for eviction or a notice to the renter to move out.

Without a written lease, a landlord can give a 30-day written notice for a renter to leave at the end of the next month. For example, a landlord can give notice in mid June that he wants the renter out by July 31. A specific reason is not needed. However, they can't discriminate or retaliate for complaining about repairs.

Evictions are serious court-related business. A renter can be evicted any time of the year, even winter. If a person loses their eviction case in court, they may have to move out within 24 hours. The most time allowed is 7 days.

Can a landlord enter a rental unit at any time?

• Landlords can only enter a rental unit for a business reason or for an emergency. If it isn't an emergency, they must try to give reasonable notice before coming.