Disclaimer: This skill provides general legal literacy and educational information to help you understand legal concepts and processes. It does NOT constitute legal advice, represent you in any legal matter, or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal matters affecting you.
Comprehensive guide to tenant rights including lease review, security deposit rules, habitability standards, repair procedures, eviction process, rent increases, lease breaking options, documentation practices, and fair housing basics.
How much does it cost?+
Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Can I change it?+
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Give your first job to Murage.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
This skill helps tenants understand their rights, navigate common rental issues, and protect themselves through proper documentation. It covers the full lifecycle of a tenancy from lease signing through move-out.
Questions to Ask the User First
What state and city do you live in? (Laws vary dramatically by jurisdiction)
Are you currently a tenant, or are you about to sign a lease?
What type of housing? (apartment complex, single-family rental, condo, room rental, subsidized housing)
Is there a written lease, or is this a verbal/month-to-month arrangement?
What is your primary concern right now? (signing a lease, repair issue, security deposit, potential eviction, rent increase, wanting to break lease, discrimination, other)
How long have you lived at the property?
Is your landlord an individual, property management company, or housing authority?
Have you documented the issue in writing?
Step 1: Lease Review Checklist
Before signing any lease, review every item below:
Essential Terms to Verify
LEASE REVIEW CHECKLIST
BASIC TERMS:
[ ] Monthly rent amount: ${{AMOUNT}}
[ ] Due date: {{DATE}} of each month
[ ] Grace period: {{DAYS}} days
[ ] Late fee amount: ${{AMOUNT}} (check if legal in your jurisdiction)
[ ] Lease start date: {{DATE}}
[ ] Lease end date: {{DATE}}
[ ] Security deposit: ${{AMOUNT}}
[ ] Move-in fees (non-refundable): ${{AMOUNT}}
PROPERTY DETAILS:
[ ] Full address including unit number
[ ] Parking space(s) included: YES / NO -- Number: {{#}}
[ ] Storage included: YES / NO -- Location: {{LOCATION}}
[ ] Appliances included: {{LIST}}
[ ] Furnishings included: {{LIST}}
UTILITIES AND SERVICES:
[ ] Electricity: TENANT / LANDLORD
[ ] Gas/Heat: TENANT / LANDLORD
[ ] Water/Sewer: TENANT / LANDLORD
[ ] Trash: TENANT / LANDLORD
[ ] Internet/Cable: TENANT / LANDLORD
[ ] Lawn care/Snow removal: TENANT / LANDLORD
POLICIES:
[ ] Pet policy: {{TERMS}} -- Pet deposit: ${{AMOUNT}}
[ ] Guest policy: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Subletting allowed: YES / NO -- Conditions: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Smoking policy: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Noise/quiet hours: {{HOURS}}
[ ] Parking rules: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Modification/decoration restrictions: {{TERMS}}
MAINTENANCE:
[ ] How to submit repair requests: {{METHOD}}
[ ] Emergency maintenance contact: {{CONTACT}}
[ ] Tenant maintenance responsibilities: {{LIST}}
[ ] Landlord maintenance responsibilities: {{LIST}}
TERMINATION:
[ ] Lease-breaking penalty: ${{AMOUNT}} or {{TERMS}}
[ ] Required notice to vacate: {{DAYS}} days
[ ] Auto-renewal terms: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Move-out inspection process: {{TERMS}}
[ ] Security deposit return timeline: {{DAYS}} days
Red Flags in Leases
Tenant waives right to habitable premises
Landlord may enter without notice at any time
Tenant liable for all repairs regardless of cause
Security deposit is "non-refundable" (illegal in most states)
Lease requires tenant to waive right to sue
Excessive late fees (more than 5-10% of monthly rent)
Automatic rent escalation without cap
Tenant must pay landlord's attorney fees in all disputes
Landlord can terminate for any reason with minimal notice during lease term
Step 2: Security Deposit Rules
General Principles (Verify in Your State)
Most states regulate security deposits in these areas:
Issue
Common Rules (Vary by State)
Maximum amount
1-2 months' rent (some states have no limit)
Separate account
Many states require deposits in separate, interest-bearing accounts
Return deadline
Typically 14-45 days after move-out
Itemized deductions
Required in most states
Allowable deductions
Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, cleaning if lease requires
In most states, landlords must provide and maintain rental units that are fit for human habitation. This typically includes:
MINIMUM HABITABILITY REQUIREMENTS:
STRUCTURAL:
[ ] Weatherproof roof, walls, and windows
[ ] Unbroken windows and doors with working locks
[ ] Safe and maintained stairways, railings, and floors
[ ] Foundation free from significant cracks or settling
PLUMBING:
[ ] Hot and cold running water
[ ] Working toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower
[ ] Functional drainage/sewer system
[ ] No active leaks
HEATING:
[ ] Adequate heating system in working order
[ ] Ability to maintain reasonable temperature (varies by jurisdiction)
[ ] (Air conditioning may be required in some hot-climate jurisdictions)
ELECTRICAL:
[ ] Working electrical system up to code
[ ] Sufficient outlets in each room
[ ] Working light fixtures
SAFETY:
[ ] Working smoke detectors
[ ] Carbon monoxide detectors (where required)
[ ] Fire extinguisher access (in some jurisdictions)
[ ] Adequate fire egress/exits
[ ] Deadbolt locks on exterior doors
PEST CONTROL:
[ ] Property free from rodent and insect infestation
[ ] Landlord responsible for pest control (in most jurisdictions)
SANITATION:
[ ] Working garbage receptacles
[ ] Common areas kept clean (in multi-unit buildings)
[ ] No mold or environmental hazards
[ ] Lead paint disclosure (for pre-1978 buildings)
Step 4: Repair Request Procedures
Step-by-Step Repair Request Process
Step 1: Notify the landlord in writing.
REPAIR REQUEST LETTER TEMPLATE
Date: {{DATE}}
To: {{LANDLORD_NAME}}
{{LANDLORD_ADDRESS}}
From: {{TENANT_NAME}}
{{RENTAL_ADDRESS}}
RE: Repair Request -- {{BRIEF_DESCRIPTION}}
Dear {{LANDLORD_NAME}},
I am writing to notify you of a maintenance issue at the above property
that requires repair:
ISSUE: {{DETAILED_DESCRIPTION}}
LOCATION: {{SPECIFIC_LOCATION_IN_UNIT}}
DATE FIRST NOTICED: {{DATE}}
IMPACT: {{HOW_IT_AFFECTS_HABITABILITY_OR_DAILY_LIFE}}
[If applicable:]
This issue affects the habitability of the unit because {{REASON}}.
I am requesting that this repair be completed within {{REASONABLE_TIME}}
days. I am available for access to the unit at the following times:
{{AVAILABILITY}}.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide a timeline for the
repair.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
{{TENANT_NAME}}
{{PHONE_NUMBER}}
{{EMAIL}}
[Keep a copy of this letter and proof of delivery]
Step 2: If landlord does not respond within a reasonable time (varies by state and urgency):
FOLLOW-UP REPAIR REQUEST
Date: {{DATE}}
To: {{LANDLORD_NAME}}
RE: SECOND NOTICE -- Repair Request Originally Submitted {{ORIGINAL_DATE}}
Dear {{LANDLORD_NAME}},
I am following up on my repair request dated {{ORIGINAL_DATE}} regarding
{{ISSUE}}. I have not received a response or repair as of today's date.
Under [State] law, landlords are required to maintain rental properties
in habitable condition and to address repair requests within a reasonable
timeframe.
I respectfully request that this repair be scheduled within {{DAYS}} days.
If I do not hear back by {{DEADLINE_DATE}}, I may need to explore remedies
available under [State] tenant protection laws, which may include:
- Filing a complaint with {{LOCAL_HOUSING_AGENCY}}
- Repair and deduct (if permitted in this jurisdiction)
- Rent withholding (if permitted in this jurisdiction)
- Seeking assistance from legal aid
I would prefer to resolve this directly and amicably.
Sincerely,
{{TENANT_NAME}}
Step 3: Know your remedies (vary by state):
Repair and Deduct: Some states allow tenants to make repairs and deduct cost from rent (usually with limitations)
Rent Withholding: Some states allow withholding rent until repairs are made (strict procedural requirements)
Code Enforcement: File a complaint with your local building/housing inspector
Lease Termination: Severe habitability issues may give you the right to terminate
Step 5: Understanding the Eviction Process
Eviction Cannot Happen Without Due Process
Landlords cannot legally:
Change your locks without a court order
Remove your belongings from the unit
Shut off utilities to force you out
Physically remove you from the property
Threaten or harass you into leaving
These actions are called "self-help evictions" and are illegal in virtually every state.
Typical Legal Eviction Process
STEP 1: NOTICE
Landlord serves written notice (3-day, 14-day, 30-day, etc.)
Type depends on reason and state law:
- Pay or Quit (unpaid rent)
- Cure or Quit (lease violation)
- Unconditional Quit (severe violations)
- No-Cause Termination (month-to-month, where permitted)
STEP 2: COURT FILING
If tenant does not comply with notice, landlord files eviction lawsuit
(called "unlawful detainer," "forcible entry and detainer," or "summary process")
STEP 3: SERVICE OF SUMMONS
Tenant receives court papers with hearing date
CRITICAL: You MUST respond and/or appear by the deadline
STEP 4: COURT HEARING
Both sides present their case
Tenant can raise defenses (retaliation, habitability, improper notice)
STEP 5: JUDGMENT
Judge rules for landlord or tenant
If for landlord, tenant is given a deadline to vacate
STEP 6: ENFORCEMENT
Only a sheriff/marshal can physically enforce an eviction order
Landlord still cannot self-help evict
Retaliation -- eviction filed after tenant complained about conditions or exercised legal rights
Discrimination -- eviction motivated by protected class status
Habitability -- landlord failed to maintain habitable conditions
Payment -- rent was paid (keep all receipts)
Waiver -- landlord accepted rent after the notice period
Step 6: Rent Increase Rules
General Framework
Lease Type
Rent Increase Rules
Fixed-term lease
Cannot increase during the term unless lease allows it
Month-to-month
Can increase with proper notice (usually 30-60 days)
Rent-controlled unit
Increases limited by local ordinance
Section 8/subsidized
Governed by program rules
Rent Increase Notice Requirements (General)
Must be in writing
Must provide adequate advance notice (30-90 days depending on jurisdiction)
Cannot be retaliatory (e.g., right after you filed a complaint)
Cannot be discriminatory
In rent-controlled areas, must comply with allowable increase percentages
Step 7: Lease Breaking Options
Legitimate Reasons for Breaking a Lease
Uninhabitable conditions that the landlord will not fix
Military deployment (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act)
Domestic violence (many states have protections)
Landlord harassment or illegal entry
Constructive eviction (landlord's actions make the unit unusable)
Job relocation (may or may not reduce liability; check lease)
Minimizing Liability When Breaking a Lease
LEASE-BREAKING ACTION PLAN:
1. Review your lease for:
[ ] Early termination clause (penalty amount)
[ ] Subletting provisions
[ ] Assignment provisions
[ ] Required notice period
2. Check your state's mitigation duty:
[ ] Does your landlord have a legal duty to re-rent?
[ ] (Most states require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent)
3. Give maximum notice possible:
[ ] Provide written notice of your intent to vacate
[ ] Explain circumstances (if you have legal grounds)
[ ] Propose solutions (finding a replacement tenant)
4. Help find a replacement tenant:
[ ] Advertise the unit (with landlord's permission)
[ ] Screen interested tenants
[ ] Facilitate showings
5. Document everything:
[ ] Written notice to landlord (keep copy)
[ ] Landlord's response
[ ] Evidence of landlord's efforts (or lack thereof) to re-rent
[ ] All communication about the situation
Step 8: Documentation Best Practices
What to Document and How
TENANT DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM:
ALWAYS DOCUMENT:
- Move-in condition (photos + written checklist)
- All repair requests (written, with dates)
- All communication with landlord (written preferred)
- Rent payments (receipts, bank statements, canceled checks)
- Move-out condition (photos + video with timestamp)
- Any lease violations by the landlord
- Witnesses to any verbal agreements or incidents
HOW TO DOCUMENT:
- Photos/Video: Include timestamps (visible date in frame or metadata)
- Written communication: Email or certified mail (return receipt)
- Keep copies of everything in a separate, safe location
- Use a log to track dates and issues:
DATE | ISSUE | ACTION TAKEN | RESPONSE
{{DATE}} | {{DESCRIPTION}} | {{WHAT_YOU_DID}} | {{LANDLORD_RESPONSE}}
Step 9: Fair Housing Basics
Protected Classes Under Federal Fair Housing Act
It is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on:
Race or color
National origin
Religion
Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity per recent rulings)
Familial status (having children under 18)
Disability
Many state and local laws add additional protected classes such as age, source of income, marital status, military/veteran status, and more.
Signs of Housing Discrimination
Different terms offered to different applicants for no legitimate reason
Steering (directing you to certain neighborhoods or buildings)
Refusing reasonable accommodations for disability
Refusing service animals with proper documentation
Discouraging you from applying
Different maintenance response times based on protected characteristics
Filing a Discrimination Complaint
HUD: File online at hud.gov or call 1-800-669-9777
State Fair Housing Agency: Search for your state's equivalent
Local Fair Housing Organization: Many cities have their own agencies
Deadline: Generally 1 year for HUD, varies for state/local
This skill provides general tenant rights information. Tenant protection laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. For specific legal situations, contact a local tenant rights organization or attorney.
Output Format
TENANT RIGHTS OUTPUT
====================
Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations
Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable
Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
Example
Input: "My landlord has not fixed the broken heater in my apartment for 3 weeks. It is winter and I have been using space heaters. Can I withhold rent?"
Output:
Tenant Rights: Uninhabitable Conditions (No Heat)
Your Situation
Lack of heat in winter is generally classified as an uninhabitable condition -- landlords have a legal duty to maintain habitable premises. This is called the "implied warranty of habitability."
Your Rights [JURISDICTION: verify -- laws vary by state]
Right to habitable conditions: Heat is considered an essential service in virtually all jurisdictions
Repair and deduct: Some states allow you to hire a repair person and deduct the cost from rent (typically limited to one month's rent)
Rent withholding: Some states allow withholding rent until repairs are made -- BUT you must follow specific procedures
Lease termination: If conditions are severe enough, you may be able to break your lease without penalty
Required Steps Before Withholding Rent
Written notice: Send landlord a written repair request via certified mail (not just text/verbal)
Reasonable time: Allow a reasonable time for repair (varies by jurisdiction, typically 14-30 days, shorter for emergencies like no heat in winter)
Document everything: Photos of broken heater, temperature readings in apartment, copies of all communications
Escrow option: Some jurisdictions require you to deposit withheld rent in an escrow account, not just keep it
Template Notice
"Dear [Landlord], This letter serves as formal written notice that the heating system at [address] has been non-functional since [date]. I reported this issue on [date]. I am requesting repair within [7 days / your jurisdiction's emergency timeline]. Failure to repair may result in my exercising tenant remedies available under [state] law."
What NOT to Do
Do NOT stop paying rent without following your jurisdiction's specific procedure
Do NOT make repairs costing more than your state's repair-and-deduct limit
Do NOT withhold rent for minor issues -- this remedy is for habitability
Edge Cases
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.