Rental Property Laws: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

When you rent out a property, you’re not just collecting rent—you’re entering a legal relationship governed by rental property laws, rules that define rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants. These laws vary by state and country, but they all aim to protect both sides: the owner’s investment and the renter’s right to a safe, stable home. In places like Virginia and Maryland, these rules cover everything from how much notice you must give before raising rent to whether you can sell a property while someone is still living there.

Rental license, a permit some cities require before you can rent out a property isn’t just paperwork—it’s a way for local governments to track rental units and enforce safety standards. In Maryland, getting one can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on your county and how ready your property is. Skip the inspection checklist? You’ll get delayed—or fined. Meanwhile, rental income tax, the tax you owe on money earned from renting out property is a federal requirement, but states like Virginia also have their own rules. You can deduct repairs, property taxes, and even part of your utilities, but if you don’t report it, the IRS and state agencies will find out.

What about the tenant’s money? Security deposit rules, how landlords handle and return the money tenants pay upfront are tightly controlled. In Virginia, you can’t hold onto a deposit longer than 45 days after someone moves out, and you must give a written breakdown of any deductions. If you don’t, you could owe them double the amount. And if you sell the property? The new owner doesn’t get to kick out the tenant. The lease stays in effect, no matter who owns the building.

These aren’t abstract rules—they affect real people. A landlord in Austin might think they can raise rent anytime, but local ordinances may limit increases. A tenant in New York might not know they can’t legally mount a license plate on their dashboard, but they definitely need to know their landlord can’t turn off the heat to force them out. These laws exist because people get taken advantage of when they don’t understand their rights.

You’ll find guides here that break down exactly what happens when a landlord sells a rental in Virginia, how long it takes to get a rental license in Maryland, and whether rental income is taxable in Virginia. You’ll also see how other states handle similar issues—because even if you’re renting in India, understanding how these systems work elsewhere helps you spot red flags at home. This isn’t about legal jargon. It’s about knowing what you’re entitled to—and what you’re responsible for—before you sign anything.