The rules renters and buyers ask about most.
One example each, linked to the official text.
Last reviewed October 3, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
New York · Deposits
A landlord may hold at most one month's rent as a deposit and must return it, with an itemized list of deductions, within 14 days of move-out.
Example. Rent is $3,000. The most you can be asked for is $3,000. Without a list in 14 days, the landlord keeps nothing.
NY General Obligations Law § 7-108California · Deposits
Since July 2024 most landlords may charge at most one month's rent as a deposit, and must return it or itemize deductions within 21 days.
Example. Rent is $2,800. A $5,600 deposit request is over the limit for most landlords.
California Civil Code § 1950.5Texas · Deposits
The landlord must refund the deposit, minus itemized deductions, within 30 days after you surrender the unit. Give a forwarding address in writing.
Example. You move out June 1. The refund or the list of deductions is due by July 1.
Texas Property Code § 92.103Florida · Deposits
With no claim, the deposit is due back in 15 days. To keep part of it, the landlord must send written notice by certified mail within 30 days.
Example. No certified letter by day 30 means the landlord loses the right to deduct.
Florida Statutes § 83.49California · Rent
For most buildings over 15 years old, rent can rise at most 5% plus local CPI per year, never more than 10%.
Example. Rent is $2,500 and CPI is 3%. The largest legal increase is 8%, or $200.
California Civil Code § 1947.12 (AB 1482)New York City · Rent
Covered tenants can challenge non-renewal without good cause, and increases above 5% plus CPI (max 10%) are presumed unreasonable.
Example. A 15% renewal increase in a covered building can be contested in Housing Court.
NY Real Property Law Article 6-ACalifornia · Entry
Outside emergencies, a landlord must give reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, and enter during normal business hours.
Example. A text at 9pm saying 'coming by tomorrow at 7am' does not meet the rule.
California Civil Code § 1954New York · Eviction
Changing the locks, removing belongings or cutting utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. Only a court order carried out by a marshal or sheriff can evict.
Example. Coming home to new locks is a crime by the landlord. Call 911 and the police can restore access.
NY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law § 768New York City · Fees
Since June 2025, a tenant cannot be charged the fee of a broker the landlord hired, and listings must disclose all fees.
Example. A listing agent working for the landlord asks you for 15%. That fee is the landlord's to pay.
NYC Local Law 119 of 2024 (FARE Act)Nationwide · Disclosure
For homes built before 1978, sellers and landlords must disclose known lead paint and give the EPA pamphlet before you sign.
Example. A 1950s walk-up with no lead disclosure form in the lease is out of compliance.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745Nationwide · Disclosure
Refusing to rent or sell, or setting different terms, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status is illegal.
Example. 'No kids' in a listing is familial-status discrimination.
Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3604