Essential Idaho Landlord Tenant Law Resources Every Tenant Should Know

According to Indicators Idaho, well over 200,000 housing are occupied by tenants in Idaho. Many of those tenants face issues with their landlords ranging from failure to make basic repairs to unsafe housing conditions that threaten the health of Idahoans and their families. Tenants may also face unlawful or retaliatory evictions from their landlords and property management companies. It can be dauting to know where to start with these issues without an attorney, so we have compiled a list of resources of tenant in Idaho who are looking to pursue or defend a landlord tenant claim in Idaho.

The Landlord and Tenant Manual published by the Idaho Office of the Attorney General is a great place to start. All tenants and potential tenants should review this resource prior to leasing their homes and any time they are facing trouble with their property or landlord. In addition, Idaho Legal Aid has published a shorter guide of Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities that is a good starting point for understanding your rights as a tenant.

If you are facing eviction or a landlord who is not meeting their obligations, then an Idaho attorney can assist you with your claim. However, if you cannot afford or obtain an attorney, there are free resources available to both landlords and tenants. The Idaho Court Assistance Office provides forms to start and answer/defend a landlord tenant claim. The Court Assistance Office provides directions on how to use these forms. If you are a tenant requesting repairs, then you will you the "Tenant's Request for Repairs" forms. Before using these forms, carefully review all instructions. Before you initiate a case against your landlord in court, you will need to provide them with notice and complete an affidavit showing that you served that notice on your landlord. The notice and affidavit are available in the Housing Forms page of the Idaho Court Assistance Office.

• If you are demanding that your landlord repair your home, then you will use the "Tenant's Request for Repairs" forms

• If you have been sued by your landlord, then you will you use the "Respond to an Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent" forms

If you are able, you should always contact an attorney before filing a lawsuit. Skullnah Legal Services, PLLC represents Idaho Tenants in claims in Northern Idaho. If you need help finding an attorney, the Idaho State Bar provides the Lawyer Referral Service.

If you are low-income and cannot afford a lawyer, then you have the follo

wing options:

• Idaho Legal Aid Services

• Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program

• University of Idaho College of Law Community Law Clinic

• Your local Court Assistance Office may also offer limited assistance in filing a landlord tenant claim. You can find your local contact information here.

• The Court Assistance Office has also compiled a list of additional Housing Assistance and Legal Resources.

  

  Contact Skullnah Legal Services, PLLC to assist you with your landlord tenant issue today!