Tenant rights primarily address discrimination, credit, rent increases, access to the property, and the condition of the property.
The Federal Fair Housing Act
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating on the basis of race or color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. State or local laws may include other categories, such as sexual orientation, military status, and more.
The Fair Credit Act
The Fair Credit Act outlines that a prospective tenant must provide permission in writing for a landlord to conduct a credit check. There are also specific provisions about the information a landlord must provide to an applicant should they be denied the opportunity to rent the property.