Being a landlord is not an easy job. If one is not careful, tenants or potential tenants may end up taking one to court. Here are several reasons why landlords in Missouri may be sued.
Reason number one: discriminating against potential tenants. The Fair Housing Act states that landlords cannot ask discriminatory questions. It also says that it is illegal to refuse to rent a property to a person based on his or her race, gender, disability, religion or national origin — among other things.
Reason number two: disregarding tenant privacy. Just because a landlord owns a property, this does not mean he or she has the right to enter whenever he or she pleases. Tenants must be given proper notice — unless there is an emergency.
Reason number three: refusing to make repairs. In order to rent out a property, it has to be in good repair. It has to meet specific habitability standards. Landlords are required to make reasonable repairs as well as any significant repairs that become necessary. If the repairs are needed due to tenant actions, the security deposit may be kept when the tenant moves out.
Reason number four: failing to disclose problems with the property. Just as homeowners have to communicate issues with their houses when they go to sell, landlords have to disclose any known problems with their property before renting it out. Some common items that must be disclosed are mold problems, deaths that occurred in the property and sex offenders in the area.
Reason number five: failing to abide by eviction rules. Landlords do have the right to evict tenants for many reasons. They cannot, however, just remove a tenant. There is a certain eviction process that must be followed.
There are many other reasons a landlord in Missouri may face lawsuits. These are just some of the most common. Those who find themselves being sued by potential, current or past tenants have every right to seek assistance with dealing with the matter. With the help of an experienced attorney, the appropriate steps can be taken to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible.