Tenancy Issues: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

When you rent a place, you expect stability—not surprises. But tenancy issues, disputes between renters and landlords that disrupt peace of mind and legal rights. Also known as rental conflicts, they can range from small annoyances to serious legal violations. Whether it’s a landlord refusing to fix a broken heater, charging extra fees without notice, or showing up uninvited, these problems are more common than you think—and you’re not powerless.

Many security deposit, money paid upfront by tenants to cover potential damages, held by the landlord until lease ends. Also known as rental bond, it gets withheld unfairly all the time. In places like Virginia, landlords have 45 days to return it—or explain why. But what if they ignore you? Or claim damage that wasn’t there? You don’t have to accept it. Similarly, landlord tenant law, the legal framework defining rights and responsibilities of renters and property owners. Also known as rental regulations, it exists to protect both sides, but most tenants don’t know their side. For example, in Maryland, landlords can’t just walk in without notice—even if they say they’re "checking on the place." That’s a violation. In Virginia, there’s no rent cap, so increases can hit hard, but they still need proper notice. And if your place has mold, pests, or no heat? That’s not just inconvenient—it’s illegal in most cases.

These aren’t abstract rules. Real people face them every day. Someone in Baltimore County might be getting fined because too many people are living in their rental. Someone in Virginia might be locked out because their deposit was never returned. Someone else might be paying for repairs they shouldn’t have to. The posts below show you exactly how others handled these situations—and how you can too. You’ll see step-by-step fixes, legal deadlines you can’t miss, and what to say when your landlord won’t listen. No fluff. No theory. Just what works when the system feels stacked against you.