What applies to every landlord in the United States
Federal law is the floor: fair housing, lead disclosure, screening and service member protections apply almost everywhere. Rent limits, eviction rules and deposits are set by the state, and in some places the city. Start with the floor, then find your state.
How much each layer decides here
Federal: Fair housing, lead, screening, service members
State: Rent caps, just cause, deposits, notices, entry
City: Extra rent limits in 8 states' cities
Bar length is the share of a typical landlord's obligations set at that level.
Six obligations that follow you to any state
These apply whether you own one condo or a portfolio, with the narrow exemptions noted. Each links to the agency's own guidance.
Fair Housing Act
HUDNo discrimination in advertising, screening, terms or eviction on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. Reasonable accommodations and assistance animals sit here.
Applies to: Nearly every rental; a narrow owner-occupied exemption for buildings of four units or fewer, which never covers advertising.
Lead-based paint disclosure
HUDBefore a lease is signed: the EPA pamphlet, a signed disclosure of known lead hazards, and any reports you hold. Keep the signed form for three years.
Applies to: Housing built before 1978, with limited exceptions for studio and zero-bedroom units.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
CFPB · FTCIf you use a screening or credit report and decline, ask for a co-signer or charge more because of it, you must send an adverse-action notice naming the agency.
Applies to: Any decision that relies on a consumer report from a screening company.
Service members Civil Relief Act
DOJActive-duty tenants can end a lease on deployment or PCS orders with 30 days' notice, and evictions against them need a court order with an affidavit of military status.
Applies to: Any tenant on active duty, including reservists called up.
Housing Choice Vouchers
HUDAccepting a voucher means a HAP contract, a HUD inspection and the lease addendum. Many states and cities now require you to accept vouchers as a source of income.
Applies to: Voluntary federally; mandatory in states with source-of-income protection.
CARES Act 30-day notice
Treasury · HUDProperties with federally backed mortgages or federal assistance must give 30 days' notice to vacate for non-payment, longer than most state minimums. Still in force.
Applies to: Any property with an FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, or LIHTC status.
Find your state
The four rules that vary most from state to state, side by side. Click a row for that state's hub.
| State | Statewide rent cap | Just cause statewide | Deposit cap | Return deadline | City rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No matches. | |||||
Rent-cap and just-cause figures are the statewide default. Cities with their own rules can be stricter; the state hub lists them.
Federal changes
Substantive changes at the national level. Most change happens one level down.
No federal changes to show right now.
Screening and fair housing, handled once
One screening standard for every property
Platuni applies the federal floor to every US property you add, then layers on the state and city rules for each one.
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