Renters Rights: Apartment Association

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/06/22 - Updated: 2022/02/28
Topic: Disability Housing - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Apartment Association has created a Renter's Bill of Rights in order to educate the public on renters rights and landlords responsibilities. Your lease is a contract between you and your landlord. It should clearly state your landlord's obligations as well as yours. Make sure you read a copy of your lease and understand all of its terms. Keep a copy of anything you sign.

Introduction

The Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia has created a Renter's Bill of Rights in order to educate the public on renters' rights and landlords' responsibilities.

Main Item

"All of the apartment management companies that belong to the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia are committed to providing quality homes for their residents. We also understand our duty to educate renters residing at properties that are managed by unscrupulous landlords," explained James Korman, President of Korman Residential Properties, and past president of the AAGP.

"These association members have made it a priority to educate area renters on their rights," added Pamela Bennett, Executive Director at the apartment association.

Renters' Bill of Rights

Your Lease

Your lease is a contract between you and your landlord. It should clearly state your landlord's obligations as well as yours. Make sure you read a copy of your lease and understand all of its terms. Keep a copy of anything you sign.

Habitability

The property must meet your town's relevant construction, maintenance and safety codes. That includes heat in winter. Notify your landlord of problems in writing, and keep a written copy of your requests.

Fair Housing

Federal, state and local laws offer protection against discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (gender), national origin, disability, familial status, and in some locations, sexual orientation.

Rental Insurance

Your landlord has a responsibility to insure against damages to the premises, but that insurance does not cover your possessions. You have the right to insure your personal property through rental insurance.

When Repairs are Needed

Be sure to tell your landlord, in writing, about any needed repairs as soon as possible. Keep your landlord's emergency contact information in a convenient location.

Security Deposit

Your security deposit must be returned to you within 30 days of turning in your keys to the landlord. If any money is withheld for damages to the premises, rent, or other charges, the landlord must provide you with a written account of what was kept and why. You must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.

The Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia is a non-profit organization representing multi-family developers, owners and managers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The AAGP provides educational and governmental affairs related services that enhance the opportunity for quality rental housing.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.