US landlord-tenant law, state by state.
Written for small landlords who want to know the rule before they write a notice. Every post cites the statute. None of it is legal advice.
- WA · Apr 26, 2026
Washington Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (Post HB 1217 Rent Cap 2026)
Washington lease template comparison post HB 1217: LeaseKit ($29, 7%+CPI rent cap, 90-day notice, $75/1.5% late fee, move-in checklist) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer.
- NC · Apr 26, 2026
North Carolina Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (NCGS 42-46 Late Fee Cap 2026)
North Carolina lease template comparison: LeaseKit ($29, $15/5% late fee cap, trust account, 1.5-2 month deposit) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms. NCGS Chapter 42.
- OH · Apr 26, 2026
Ohio Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (ORC 5321 + Verbatim Notice 2026)
Ohio lease template comparison: LeaseKit ($29, mandatory verbatim ORC 1923.04 notice, 5% deposit interest) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms.
- PA · Apr 26, 2026
Pennsylvania Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (68 P.S. + Philly Good Cause 2026)
Pennsylvania lease template comparison: LeaseKit ($29, year-1/year-2 deposit cap split, escrow rules, 10/15/30 notice) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms.
- GA · Apr 26, 2026
Georgia Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (Post HB 404 Safe at Home Act 2026)
Georgia lease template comparison post HB 404: LeaseKit ($29, 2-month deposit cap, 3-business-day pay-or-quit, OCGA 44-7-13 habitability) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer.
- IL · Apr 26, 2026
Illinois Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (Chicago RLTO + 420 ILCS 46/26 2026)
Illinois lease template comparison: LeaseKit ($29, post-PA 103-298 radon, Chicago RLTO compliance) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms. 765 ILCS 705 + 735 ILCS 5/9-209.
- NY · Apr 26, 2026
New York Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (Post HSTPA + Good Cause 2026)
New York lease template comparison post HSTPA + Good Cause Eviction: LeaseKit ($29, $50/5% late fee, 14-day pay-or-quit) vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms.
- FL · Apr 26, 2026
Florida Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (Post HB 1417, 2026)
Florida lease template comparison post HB 1417: LeaseKit ($29, 30-day month-to-month) vs LegalZoom ($39-69), Rocket Lawyer ($39/mo), eForms. Fla. Stat. 83.49(2)(d) verbatim.
- TX · Apr 26, 2026
Texas Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom vs Rocket Lawyer (Post HB 531 + SB 38)
Texas lease template comparison 2026: LeaseKit ($29, post HB 531 / SB 38) vs LegalZoom ($39-69), Rocket Lawyer ($39/mo), eForms (free). Tex. Prop. Code 92.0135 flood disclosure.
- CA · Apr 26, 2026
California Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom vs Rocket Lawyer in 2026
California lease template comparison: LeaseKit ($29 one-time, statute-cited) vs LegalZoom ($39-69), Rocket Lawyer ($39/mo), eForms (free, blank). Post-AB 12 / AB 414 compliance.
- GA · Apr 26, 2026
Augusta Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 404)
Augusta GA landlord rules under HB 404 (Safe at Home Act). 2-month deposit cap, 3-business-day notice, Richmond County dispossessory for 2026.
- GA · Apr 26, 2026
Savannah Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 404)
Savannah landlord rules under Georgia HB 404. 2-month deposit cap, 3-business-day pay-or-quit, Chatham County dispossessory for 2026.
- FL · Apr 26, 2026
Orlando Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 1417)
Orlando landlord rules under Florida Chapter 83 post HB 1417. 30-day month-to-month notice, deposit rules, Orange County eviction for 2026.
- NY · Apr 26, 2026
Buffalo Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
Buffalo landlord rules under New York state law (HSTPA + Good Cause). Erie County eviction, deposit cap, late fee cap, NYC-style overlays for 2026.
- CA · Apr 26, 2026
San Diego Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
San Diego landlord rules under California Civ. Code 1950.5 + AB 1482. SD Tenant Protection Ordinance, just cause for All, deposit cap for 2026.
- CA · Apr 26, 2026
San Francisco Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Rent Ordinance + AB 1482)
San Francisco Rent Ordinance + Just Cause Eviction layer on top of California AB 1482 + Civ. Code 1950.5. Annual increase cap, mandatory disclosures for 2026.
- WA · Apr 26, 2026
Spokane Landlord Laws Post HB 1217, the 2026 Quick Guide
Spokane landlord rules under Washington RCW 59.18 post HB 1217. Rent cap, 90-day notice, deposit and eviction procedure for 2026.
- OH · Apr 26, 2026
Columbus Ohio Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)
Columbus Ohio landlord rules under ORC 5321. Mandatory eviction notice, deposit rules, Franklin County FED, and source-of-income protection for 2026.
- OH · Apr 26, 2026
Cincinnati Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)
Cincinnati landlord rules under Ohio 5321. Mandatory eviction notice language, deposit interest, Hamilton County FED procedure for 2026.
- OH · Apr 26, 2026
Cleveland Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)
Cleveland landlord rules under Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 5321. Mandatory 'you are being asked to leave' notice, deposit interest, Cuyahoga County FED for 2026.
- PA · Apr 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
Pittsburgh landlord rules under Pennsylvania 68 P.S. plus Allegheny County overlays. Year-1/year-2 deposit cap, escrow, 10/15/30 notice rules for 2026.
- NC · Apr 26, 2026
Raleigh Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (NCGS Chapter 42)
Raleigh landlord rules under North Carolina Chapter 42. NCGS 42-46 late fee cap, Wake County summary ejectment, deposit and disclosure rules for 2026.
- NC · Apr 26, 2026
Charlotte Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (NCGS Chapter 42)
Charlotte landlord rules under North Carolina Chapter 42. NCGS 42-46 late fee cap ($15 or 5%), Mecklenburg County summary ejectment, deposit rules for 2026.
- GA · Apr 26, 2026
Atlanta Landlord Laws Post HB 404, the 2026 Quick Guide
Atlanta landlord rules under Georgia HB 404 (Safe at Home Act) and OCGA Chapter 44-7. Dispossessory process, 2-month deposit cap, 3-business-day notice for 2026.
- FL · Apr 26, 2026
Tampa Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 1417)
Tampa landlord rules under Florida Chapter 83. Post HB 1417 month-to-month notice, Hillsborough County eviction procedure, deposit rules for 2026.
- FL · Apr 26, 2026
Miami Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (Post HB 1417)
Miami landlord rules under Florida Statutes Chapter 83 plus Miami-Dade overlays. Post HB 1417 30-day month-to-month, deposit rules, evictions for 2026.
- TX · Apr 26, 2026
San Antonio Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
San Antonio landlord rules under Texas Property Code Chapter 92. Bexar County eviction procedure, deposits, late fees for 2026.
- TX · Apr 26, 2026
Austin Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
Austin landlord rules under Texas Property Code Chapter 92. SOURCE Ordinance source-of-income protection plus state law for 2026.
- TX · Apr 26, 2026
Dallas Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
Dallas landlord rules under Texas Property Code Chapter 92. Deposits, evictions, late fees, flood disclosure, and Dallas-specific overlays for 2026.
- TX · Apr 26, 2026
Houston Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide
Houston landlord rules layer Harris County and City of Houston ordinances on top of Texas state law. 2026 guide covering deposits, evictions, late fees, disclosures.
- WA · Apr 25, 2026
Seattle Just Cause Eviction Landlord Guide for 2026 (Post HB 1217)
Seattle Just Cause (SMC 22.206.160), first-in-time tenant screening, and source-of-income protection on top of Washington HB 1217. 2026 compliance guide.
- PA · Apr 25, 2026
Philadelphia Good Cause Eviction and Rental License Guide for 2026
Philadelphia layers Good Cause Eviction (Code 9-810), Rental License, and Certificate of Rental Suitability on top of Pennsylvania state law. 2026 landlord guide.
- CA · Apr 25, 2026
Los Angeles RSO + AB 1482 Overlay for Landlords (2026)
Los Angeles RSO and JJA layer on top of California AB 1482 + Civil Code 1950.5. 2026 guide for LA County landlords on rent caps, just cause, and disclosures.
- IL · Apr 25, 2026
Chicago RLTO Landlord Compliance Guide for 2026
Chicago RLTO Chapter 5-12 layers on top of Illinois 765 ILCS rules: deposit interest, RLTO summary, late fee cap, lockout penalty, smoke detector. 2026 compliance.
- NY · Apr 25, 2026
New York City Landlord Guide, Post HSTPA and Good Cause Eviction (2026)
NYC landlord rules layer rent stabilization, HSTPA 2019, Good Cause Eviction, NYC Admin Code disclosures, and DHCR oversight on top of state law. Statute-cited 2026 guide.
- OH · Apr 25, 2026
Ohio 3-Day Notice, the 'You Are Being Asked to Leave' Verbatim Rule (ORC 1923.04)
Ohio law requires the verbatim 'you are being asked to leave' language on every eviction notice (ORC 1923.04). Notices missing it are dismissed in Municipal Court.
- NC · Apr 25, 2026
North Carolina Late Fee Cap, $15 or 5 Percent (NCGS 42-46)
North Carolina caps late fees at $15 or 5 percent of rent, whichever is greater, plus a 5-day grace period (NCGS 42-46). What this means for landlords in 2026.
- WA · Apr 25, 2026
Washington HB 1217 Rent Cap, the 2026 Guide for Small Landlords
HB 1217 capped Washington rent increases at the lesser of 7%+CPI or 10% per year, with 90 days notice and a first-year freeze. Statute-cited explainer for 2026.
- GA · Apr 25, 2026
Georgia Eviction Process Step by Step (Post HB 404, 2026)
Georgia eviction is a magistrate-court dispossessory action. Post HB 404 a 3-business-day pay-or-quit notice is required first. Full timeline and statutory citations.
- WA · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete Washington Landlord Legal Guide for 2026 (Post HB 1217)
Washington landlord laws explained for 2026: HB 1217 rent cap, the 90-day rent increase notice, deposit rules, and Seattle Just Cause overlay. Statute-cited guide from our research team.
- NC · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete North Carolina Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
North Carolina landlord laws explained for 2026: NCGS Chapter 42 deposit rules, the 5%/$15 late fee cap, eviction notice periods, and rent rules. Statute-cited guide from our research team.
- OH · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete Ohio Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
Ohio landlord laws explained for 2026: ORC 5321 security deposit rules, the mandatory 'you are being asked to leave' notice, and rent rules. Statute-cited guide from our research team.
- PA · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete Pennsylvania Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
Pennsylvania landlord laws explained for 2026: deposit caps, escrow rules, the 10-day pay-or-quit, notice periods under 68 P.S. 250.501. Statute-cited guide from our research team.
- GA · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete Georgia Landlord Legal Guide for 2026 (Post HB 404)
Georgia landlord laws explained for 2026: HB 404 habitability duty, the 2-month deposit cap, 3-business-day pay-or-quit, and rent rules. Statute-cited guide from our research team.
- IL · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete Illinois Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
Illinois landlord laws explained for 2026: 765 ILCS 705 framework, security deposit rules under 765 ILCS 710 and 715, notice periods, radon disclosure, Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO overlays. Statute-cited guide from our legal research team.
- NY · Apr 25, 2026
The Complete New York Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
New York landlord laws explained for 2026: HSTPA reforms, security deposit cap under GOL 7-103, Good Cause Eviction under RPL 226-c, NYC bedbug and window guard disclosures, and post-2019 notice periods. Statute-cited guide from our legal research team.
- TX · Apr 24, 2026
The Complete Texas Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
Everything small Texas landlords need to know in 2026: Property Code Chapter 92, security deposit rules, notice to vacate, SB 38 eviction updates, flood disclosure, late fees, and repair duties. Statute-cited and plain English.
- FL · Apr 24, 2026
The Complete Florida Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
Florida landlord laws explained by our team: Chapter 83 Part II, security deposit rules under 83.49, notice periods under 83.57, 3-day notices, radon disclosure, and the lease clauses most Florida landlords miss.
- CA · Apr 24, 2026
The Complete California Landlord Legal Guide for 2026
California landlord laws explained for 2026: security deposits, AB 1482 rent caps, notice periods, required disclosures, and lease requirements. Statute-cited guide from our legal research team.
- TX · Apr 24, 2026
Texas Property Code 92.019 Late Fee Cap: The 12% vs 10% Rule Landlords Miss
Texas caps residential late fees at 12% of rent for 4-or-fewer-unit buildings and 10% for larger buildings under Tex. Prop. Code 92.019. Here is the rule, the grace period, and the penalty for overcharging.
- CA · Apr 24, 2026
California AB 1482 Rent Cap Explained: What Landlords Can and Cannot Raise
California AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, max 10%. Here is the formula, the exemptions, the 30 vs 90-day notice rule, and what happens if a landlord violates the cap.
- Multi-state · Apr 24, 2026
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit? (10-State Guide)
Security deposit return deadlines vary from 14 days (NY, WA) to 60 days (NC). Here is a 10-state comparison with the statute, the penalty for missing the deadline, and one practical tip per state.
- Multi-state · Apr 22, 2026
Free vs Paid Lease Templates, What Is Actually Different?
Free lease templates are blank forms that the landlord fills in manually. Paid state-specific services apply the correct statutory clauses automatically. Here is the actual difference and when to use which.
- Multi-state · Apr 22, 2026
Landlord's Right of Entry, State-by-State Notice Requirements (2026)
How much advance notice does a landlord need to give before entering a tenant's unit? Comparison of 10 US states with the relevant statute and emergency exceptions.
- Multi-state · Apr 22, 2026
LeaseKit vs LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms, and LawDepot (2026 Comparison)
Comparing LeaseKit with LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms, and LawDepot for US landlord documents. Price, state specificity, updates, and audit depth.
- Multi-state · Apr 22, 2026
How to Serve a Notice to Quit, Step-by-Step (All US States)
Serving an eviction notice correctly is half the battle. Here is a step-by-step US guide: who to serve, how to serve, what to document, and the three common mistakes.
- Multi-state · Apr 22, 2026
Federal Lead Paint Disclosure, 24 CFR 35 for Pre-1978 Units (All 50 States)
Federal law requires every landlord of a pre-1978 residential unit to disclose known lead-based paint hazards to tenants. Here is the 24 CFR 35 rule, the pamphlet requirement, and penalties.
- WA · Apr 22, 2026
Washington HB 1217 Rent Cap, the New Rent Stabilization Rules for 2026
Washington HB 1217, signed in 2024, introduced a statewide rent cap at CPI + 7% or 10% maximum. Here is the 90-day notice, first-year prohibition, and 12-year CO exemption.
- NC · Apr 22, 2026
North Carolina Tenant Rights, Chapter 42 and the 5%/$15 Late Fee Rule
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42 governs residential tenancies. Late fees are capped at the greater of 5% or $15 under N.C.G.S. 42-46. Here is the landlord's rulebook.
- OH · Apr 22, 2026
Ohio Landlord Tenant Act (ORC 5321), the 'You Are Being Asked to Leave' Notice
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 governs residential landlord-tenant law. The ORC 1923.04 eviction notice must include the verbatim phrase 'You are being asked to leave'.
- PA · Apr 22, 2026
Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Act Overview, Deposits, Notices, and the $100 Escrow Rule
Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 caps deposits at 2 months then 1 month, and the $100 escrow rule at 68 P.S. 250.511b protects tenants. Complete landlord guide for 2026.
- GA · Apr 22, 2026
Georgia HB 404 Habitability Act 2024, What Landlords Need to Know
Georgia HB 404 created the first statutory implied warranty of habitability in 2024. Here is what O.C.G.A. 44-7-13, 44-7-30.1 (2-month cap), and 44-7-50(c) (3-business-day notice) require.
- IL · Apr 22, 2026
Illinois Eviction Process, 5-Day and 10-Day Notices Explained
Illinois landlords must serve a 5-day pay-or-quit or 10-day cure notice before filing for eviction. Here is the 735 ILCS 5/9-209 and 5/9-210 rulebook and service method.
- NY · Apr 22, 2026
New York Security Deposit Rules, One-Month Cap + 14-Day Return (HSTPA 2019)
New York caps residential security deposits at one month's rent under GOL 7-108(1-a). Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of move-out. Here is the HSTPA 2019 rulebook.
- FL · Apr 22, 2026
Florida Eviction Notice, the 3-Day and 7-Day Rules at Fla. Stat. 83.56
Florida landlords must serve a 3-day or 7-day notice before filing for eviction under Fla. Stat. 83.56. Here is which applies, the service method, and the common mistakes that void the notice.
- TX · Apr 22, 2026
Texas Security Deposit Return, 30-Day Deadline and Itemized Statement (Tex. Prop. Code 92.103)
Texas landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions. Missing the deadline can cost the deposit + $100 + 3x the wrongfully withheld amount.
- CA · Apr 22, 2026
California Security Deposit Rules 2026, One Month Cap + Small Owner Carve-Out
California caps residential security deposits at one month's rent under AB 12. A two-month carve-out applies to small natural-person landlords at Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5(c)(5)(A) post-AB 414.
- IL · Apr 22, 2026
Illinois Radon Disclosure, 420 ILCS 46/26 (not 46/25) for Tenant Leases
Illinois landlords must disclose radon hazards to tenants under 420 ILCS 46/26. Public Act 103-298 repealed Section 25 effective 2024. Here is the current rule and template.
- NY · Apr 22, 2026
New York Rent Increase Notice, the 30/60/90 Day Tenure-Based Rule
New York landlords must give 30, 60, or 90 days advance notice of a rent increase or non-renewal under RPL 226-c. Here is which applies and when Good Cause rules override.
- FL · Apr 22, 2026
Florida Security Deposit Return, the 15 and 30 Day Rules Explained
Florida landlords must return security deposits within 15 or 30 days of move-out under Fla. Stat. 83.49(3). Here is which applies, what deductions are allowed, and how to avoid the treble-damages penalty.
- TX · Apr 22, 2026
Texas Notice to Vacate, the Three-Day Rule Explained (2026)
Texas landlords must give a written notice to vacate before filing for eviction. Here is the three-day rule at Tex. Prop. Code 24.005, SB 38 changes, and how to serve it.
- CA · Apr 22, 2026
California Rent Increase Notice, 30 or 90 Days? Complete Guide for 2026
California landlords must give 30 or 90 days advance notice before raising rent. Here is which applies, the AB 1482 cap, and how to serve the notice correctly.