Legal Resources
Despite landlords often having the upper hand, renters possess legal rights. Seeking advice from a knowledgeable landlord-tenant attorney, regardless of financial concerns, is essential to safeguarding these rights and resolving tenancy-related queries effectively.
Tenants facing issues with their housing rights should seek legal aid from landlord-tenant attorneys, who can provide valuable assistance in preventing small claims court disputes.
Start by contacting your University's legal department and asking what services are available to you. There are also many other resources available for those seeking legal landlord-tenant guidance, such as FindLaw.com, Legal Services Corporation (LSC), and LawHelp.org, which connect individuals seeking legal assistance with local attorneys situated in their area. You can also visit the ABA's free legal answers site, which allows qualifying visitors in participating states to ask a question of a pro bono lawyer.
Know Your Rights
Understanding tenant rights, including the right to a habitable home according to local housing codes, is crucial.
Tenants who enter into lease agreements face potential legal issues and disputes. A landlord-tenant attorney can help tenants with the following:
- Reviewing the terms of a lease or rental agreement
- Avoiding evictions
- Avoiding an unlawful detainer action
- Assessing and reporting housing discrimination in violation of Fair Housing laws
- Getting your security deposit back
North Carolina Resources
- Tenant Rights Clinic, Legal Aid of North Carolina - Free sessions with Legal Aid staff for tenants who want to learn about their rights. Clinics are now being held online, requiring Internet access.
- Eviction Guides, Legal Aid of North Carolina - Learn your rights and how you may navigate the eviction process.
- Resources for Renters (NC Housing Finance Agency) - This site links to several organizations and resources to assist tenants.
- North Carolina Homeless Assistance - Links people experiencing homelessness to organizations dedicated to helping. Organized by city. Types of assistance include: shelters, clothing assistance, food assistance, social services, dental assistance, housing assistance programs, medical assistance, and more.
- Tenants Rights (NC) - This U.S. Dept, of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) site links to laws and information about tenants' rights.
- Rental Help (NC) - This HUD site links to public and subsidized housing resources.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works to provide affordable housing solutions and community development initiatives across the United States. It administers housing programs, enforces fair housing laws, and conducts research to address housing needs and urban issues while striving for equal housing opportunities.
HUD also provides information and educational resources for renters. Visit the HUD website to learn about tenant rights in your state.
Need Legal Help?
HUD also maintains a list of housing counseling agencies that help homeowners and tenants.
Quick Links
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