Home and neighborhood
Who handles a landlord keeping my security deposit or other renter problems?
Who handles it
Tenant rights are handled by your state, often through the attorney general or a housing agency. HUD takes complaints about properties it insures or manages.
- Federal
- State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 2 sources
Why federal and state government
Rules for landlords and tenants come mainly from state law. The federal government steps in for properties tied to HUD.
What to do next
- Read your lease carefully, and make sure you are following the rental rules you agreed to.
- Find your state agency that handles tenant rights. It may be the attorney general or a housing agency.
- If you need a lawyer, look for free or low-cost legal aid, which can help with tenant and landlord disputes.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Depending on your state, help may come from the attorney general, a housing agency, or a state tenant rights handbook.
Learn the background: How do federal, state and local laws fit together?
Sources
Official recordUSAGov: How to file a complaint against a landlord
Official recordUSAGov: Find a lawyer and affordable legal aid