Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in West Warwick

Find the right Tenant attorney in West Warwick, RI

Tenant Law in Rhode Island

In West Warwick, Rhode Island, relationships between tenants and landlords can sometimes become strained.

Tenants and landlords have many legal rights and responsibilities. In general, these rights don't conflict with one another, as long as both parties are clear about what they are, and act accordingly.

Landlord's Rights in West Warwick, RI

The most basic right that landlords have is the right to be paid the agreed-upon rent by their tenant. Obviously, renting apartments is how landlords earn a living, so they are entitled to collect the rent that the tenant agreed to pay.

They also have a right to compensation for any damage that a tenant causes, beyond ordinary wear and tear. Landlords are free to bill the tenants for repairs to damage they caused, and deduct the cost from the security deposit.

Tenant's Rights in West Warwick, RI

Most basically, tenants have a right to get what they're paying for: a dwelling fit for human habitation. To this end, landlords have to ensure that the units they rent meet West Warwick, Rhode Island's minimum standards for habitability. These requirements are usuallyy not difficult to meet. They include basic amenities such as running water, electricity, a working phone line, heating, and protection from the elements.

Additionally, tenants have rights to common areas that are free of physical obstructions, as well as serious health and safety hazards. Common areas are the places in apartment buildings and other residential complexes which every tenant can access, and include hallways, stairwells, and fire escapes. In West Warwick, Rhode Island, these areas must be kept in a safe condition, at the landlord's expense.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Rhode Island, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Also, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

And finally, most state laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily evicting tenants. If the lease agreement is for a set period of time, the landlord generally can't evict the tenant until the lease expires, without a good reason. Valid causes for eviction include unpaid rent, illegal activities on the property, damage to the building caused by the tenant, and excessive noise.

Can a West Warwick, Rhode Island Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants generally want to avoid conflict with one another. However, conflicts are sometimes unavoidable. If you end up in a major dispute with a landlord or a tenant, a good West Warwick, Rhode Island landlord/tenant attorney can help.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in West Warwick

West Warwick is located in Rhode Island's Kent County. Per the 2010 census, its population is 29,191 people.

The city is surrounded by the Pawtuxet River. An unfortunate incident involving the Pawtuxet was that in 2010, extreme rainfall caused the water level to rise approximately 21 feet. This caused flooding throughout must of the city.

Popular sites include Arctic, Centerville, Clyde, Lippitt Mill and Natick.

West Warwick, along with surrounding cities, together comprise of a very competent legal force. Attorneys in the wide area practice in many fields of law and are very experienced. Thus residents do not have to travel far to seek competent legal counsel.

Overall, Westwarwick is a charming, quaint place to live or visit!

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