Lease Terms

• Can Tenants Grow Plants, Flowers, Fruits, or Vegetables on Apartment Property?

  Learn when tenants are allowed to grow plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables in apartment complexes or on private patios, including common rules and regional examples.

• What Is the Maximum Length of Stay in an Apartment and Who Sets It?

  Learn what determines the maximum length of stay in an apartment, who sets the rules, and how state laws and landlord policies influence lease duration.

• Can You Rent Two or More Apartments in the Same Complex?

  Learn whether renters can lease multiple units in the same apartment complex, common landlord policies, legal and practical considerations, and tips for negotiating — with location examples and ZIP codes.

• Why Do Landlords Prohibit Tenants from Making Repairs or Renovations?

  Learn why landlords often prohibit tenants from making repairs or renovations inside rental apartments and what rules apply in different locations.

• Is a Landlord Responsible for Their Tenants’ Pets?

  Learn whether landlords are responsible for tenants’ pets, what the law says, and how liability works in different situations across the U.S.

• Why Is the Security Deposit Equal to One Month’s Rent, and Can It Be Different?

  Learn why security deposits are often equal to one month's rent, when they can be higher or lower, and what rules vary by state and city.

• Why Do Landlords Require a Security Deposit?

  Learn why landlords request a security deposit, what it covers, and how it protects both renters and property owners.

• How Is Electricity Usage Measured and Billed in Rental Apartments?

  Learn how electricity usage is measured and billed in apartments. Understand the role of meters, RUBS, lease terms, and what tenants need to know about electric costs.

• How Is Water Usage Measured and Billed in Rental Apartments?

  Learn how water usage is measured and billed in apartments. Understand the difference between flat-rate, RUBS, and submetered systems, and what tenants are responsible for.

• Is a Landlord Obligated to Compensate Tenants for Losses During Natural Disasters?

  Are landlords required to compensate tenants after a natural disaster? Learn what damage landlords must cover, when tenants are responsible, and how state laws vary.