Landlords who own rental properties in North Carolina, or in any other state, must comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations. Choosing tenants through a nondiscriminatory process, understanding state laws as they pertain to security deposits and evictions and maintaining rental properties to meet local housing codes are all important aspects of complying with laws governing landlord and tenant relationships.
Staying informed and up to date with all federal, state and local laws can be a daunting task for landlords. Failing to comply with your legal responsibilities, however, will result in spending lots of time and money dealing with fines, tenant disputes, and lawsuits. What’s the solution?
Choosing an experienced North Carolina property management company is key to minimizing your exposure to liability. Red Door Company helps our clients who own rental properties in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill avoid costly missteps by complying with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Disclaimer – The following information is not intended as legal advice. If you have questions about laws, ask an attorney versed in landlord-tenant law.
Fair Housing Act
Let’s begin on the federal level with a brief discussion around the Fair Housing Act. According to HUD, “The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children.”
Examples of what a landlord may not do under the Fair Housing Act include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, religion, or any other protected category .
- Deny falsely that a rental unit is available .
- Create more restrictive standards for selecting tenants or refuse to rent to members of certain groups .
- Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for rental of a dwelling unit before or during the tenancy.
- Terminate a tenancy for a discriminatory reason.
It is important for landlords to realize that discrimination laws do not only exist on the federal level. These laws also exist on the state level. For example, here in North Carolina, providing all persons equal opportunity to rent a home falls under the North Carolina Fair Housing Act.
Landlord-Tenant Laws in North Carolina
Understanding Fair Housing discrimination laws on both the federal and state level are only part of the compliance equation. Landlords who want to avoid legal troubles and protect their real estate investment must also have a detailed understanding of state laws. Below are some of the topics covered by North Carolina rental laws.
- Security Deposits
- Termination for Nonpayment of Rent
- Late Fees
- Landlord Access to Rental Property
- Eviction Rules
- Rent Increases as Retaliation
- More…
Remember, state landlord-tenant laws are always changing, and many times these laws can vary from county to county. One of the benefits of hiring a property management company like Red Door Company to manage your rental property that we can help you navigate an ever-evolving legal environment.
Housing Codes and Rental Properties
When it comes to local municipalities, the ordinances and regulations regarding residential rental properties can be as confusing and complicated as state laws. Complying with local housing codes, for example, is the responsibility of landlords providing rental property to tenants. These regulations detail what a landlord must provide for a tenant in regards to habitable conditions and safety measures.
Red Door Company works with our clients to ensure their North Carolina rental properties meet all codes. We will advise you on how to get your rental property ready to rent. Then, our relationship with local vendors, including contractors, plumbers, and electricians will ensure your property is maintained in a way that is in compliance with local ordinances.
Don’t risk running afoul of landlord-tenant laws. Work with a professional property management company to reduce your exposure and fully comply with local, state and federal laws. Contact us today to learn more about how we help landlords like you successfully navigate all landlord-tenant laws. Once you work with us, you’ll understand why our clients who own homes in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina say that Red Door Company is The Right Way to Rent®.
