Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Guilford

Find the right Tenant attorney in Guilford, CT

Tenant Law in Connecticut

The relationship between a landlord and tenant in Guilford, Connecticut can occasionally be a touchy one. Landlords and tenants are not always clear on their respective rights and obligations.

There are numerous rights and responsibilities that landlords and tenants have. It's important that each party is aware of their rights, and the rights of the other party. By knowing and respecting these rights, the risk of conflict should be reduced dramatically.

Landlord's Rights in Guilford, CT

Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Landlords also have a right to be free from damage to the rented unit. Tenants are expected not to damage their dwellings, intentionally or negligently. Landlords can deduct the cost of repairs from the tenant's security deposit. In general, tenants are not liable for damage resulting from ordinary wear and tear.

Tenant's Rights in Guilford, CT

At the most basic level, tenants have a basic right to what they're paying for: a habitable living environment. Therefore, landlords in Guilford, Connecticut must ensure that the units they rent to tenants meet some basic standards for human habitation. These requirements vary from state to state, but are often fairly easy to meet. There are no legal requirements that rented units be pretty, particularly spacious, or luxurious. They simply have to be fit for human beings to live in them. To be considered "habitable," rented units must have water, electricity, some form of heating (if the local climate necessitates it), and adequate protection from the elements (proper insulation, no roof leaks, windows that close, etc.).

Furthermore, tenants are entitled to common areas that are reasonable safe and sanitary. The common areas of an apartment building would contain lobbies, laundry rooms, stairwells, hallways, and fire escapes (essentially, any part of the building which all of the tenants can access). In Guilford, Connecticut, these areas must be kept reasonably clean and safe.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Connecticut, 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.

Tenants are also legally safeguarded from unfair eviction. Before a lease agreement expires, landlords cannot evict tenants unless they breach as significant term of the agreement by not paying rent, causing serious damage to the property, engaging in activities that are a nuisance to the other tenants, or engaging in illegal activity on the property, among other things.

Can a Guilford, Connecticut Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants generally want to avoid conflict with one another. Nonetheless, conflicts are sometimes unavoidable. If you end up in a major dispute with a landlord or a tenant, a reputable Guilford, Connecticut landlord/tenant attorney can help.

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Life in Guilford

Guilford was settled in 1639 and is one of the oldest cities in the state of Connecticut. It is located in New Haven County and has a population of about 22,000. The city is noted for its collection of historic homes. The Henry Whitfield house in Guilford is the oldest dwelling structure in Connecticut and the oldest stone house in all of North America.

Currently Guilford is a great area to live and visit if you are looking for an old "green town" feel. The city is lively and hosts a mix of annual events such as the Guilford LobsterFest and the Guilford Fair. Guilford also has many town parks which perfect for such activities as jogging, bocce games, ice skating, and winter sports.

Historic places to visit in Guilford are numerous and provide people with a glimpse into early American settlement life. Some of these places are the Guilford Historic Town Center and the Comfort Starr House. The Guilford Green is the town's pride and center of activity for the community. Many of the city's most important events such as graduations are held there. It is also a great backdrop for photo sessions.

Lawyers in Guilford, Connecticut typically file their cases at the nearby New Haven County Courthouse. The court hears claims in civil, criminal, and family, traffic, and juvenile law. Guilford lawyers may be contacted for advice and representation in a wide range of legal matters.

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