landlords

Landlords are individuals or organizations that own land or buildings and lease them to tenants. They can be private owners, professional property management firms, or institutional investors. The primary income comes from rent, but landlords also bear costs such as maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and debt service on mortgages.

A tenancy agreement regulates the landlord–tenant relationship, outlining rent, lease duration, deposits, permitted use, and responsibilities for repairs. Landlords typically collect security deposits to cover damages; these deposits are subject to local rules and must be returned after the tenancy ends, minus lawful deductions.

Landlords are obligated to provide safe and habitable housing, comply with housing codes, perform timely repairs, and ensure essential services where required. They must follow fair housing laws and anti-discrimination rules. They also have the right to enforce lease terms, collect rent, and terminate tenancies for breach or nonpayment, subject to proper notice and due process.

In many jurisdictions, eviction procedures require formal notices and may involve courts or administrative agencies. Market conditions, policies, and local regulations influence rent levels, vacancy rates, and investment decisions. Some regions implement rent control or stabilization, licensing, and disclosure requirements for property conditions and safety. Professional landlords may employ property managers to handle day-to-day operations.

Ethical and practical considerations include maintaining reasonable habitability, communicating with tenants, and balancing profitability with tenant welfare and community impact.