Renter Protections

Need repairs, have questions about rent, or are worried about eviction? 

Understanding your rights* can help you make informed decisions.

*Rights can vary depending on many circumstances, including funding assistance programs, lease agreements, and your actions.

A woman sits forward at a table, pointing to words in a rental agreement that she is holding out across the table.
Renter Protections Renter Tips & Resources
Renter Protections Renter Protections
Report Concerns. Report Concerns
Resources for Landlords. Resources for Landlords
Renter Protections Outreach

Renter Tips and Resources

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1. Behind On Rent? Talk With Your Landlord.

If you're having trouble paying rent, contact your landlord as soon as possible. Many landlords are willing to discuss payment options.

Click here for Payment Plan Templates

A man does construction work on a house door frame.

2. Need Repairs? Don't Wait.

Ask your landlord for repairs as soon as you notice a problem. If you wait, your landlord could use it against you. Be sure to make your request in writing and keep a copy.

  • Repair requests should be made promptly and in writing to ensure that small issues do not become serious.
  • If repairs aren’t being made, Idaho law does not allow tenants to withhold rent.
  • If your landlord doesn't respond or retaliates after you request repairs, the city may be able to help through code compliance.

Learn More about the City's Rental Protections

A folded eviction notice on a desk with keys laying on top.

3. Received a 3-day Notice for an Eviction? Know What It Means.

  • Eviction is a legal process that requires a landlord to take a tenant to court. Under Idaho law, the landlord must provide a physical written notice to the tenant of at least 3 full business days (excluding holidays and weekends) and, at the conclusion of those 3 days, file a lawsuit in court. If the reason for the eviction is failure to pay rent or drug activity, the eviction is “expedited,” and a hearing will be scheduled within five to 12 days of receiving the notice. If the reason for the eviction is related to lease violations, the landlord must serve the tenant with a summons and a complaint, and the tenant has 21 days to file an answer. If a tenant does not appear in court for their hearing, they will lose their case and be evicted.
  • A landlord cannot evict a tenant outside of the court process, for example by changing the locks. This is called a “self help” eviction and is not legal.
  • Even if landlords are not making proper repairs or violating the lease, tenants are obligated to pay rent.
  • If a tenant is evicted, the sheriff has the authority to remove a tenant and their belongings from the rental. A legal eviction on a person’s record has significant consequences on their ability to rent in the future and on their credit, as any future landlord, lender, or employer will be able to view it.

More information about the eviction process in Idaho can be found here:

Idaho Eviction Process Overview  |  Eviction Video Series

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4. Additional Resources

Renter Protections

With a goal of improving housing stability and access for Boise residents, the Boise City Council has created several protections for residents who rent their homes in Boise. These protections put limits on application fees charged, prohibit landlords from retaliating against tenants for making repair requests or raising safety concerns, require that landlords provide tenants with a notice of their rights and responsibilities under the law, and establish that security deposits will be returned in full when a tenancy is ending as a result of demolition or substantial renovation.

Prohibiting retaliatory conduct

Establishes that renters are able to:

  • Raise concerns about a potential violation of a building, safety, or health code;
  • Make repair requests;
  • Become a member of a community resident association; and
  • Retain counsel

Potential retaliatory actions include terminating a tenancy, refusing to renew, increasing rent, decreasing services, or harassing tenants.

Notice of landlord and tenant responsibilities

Requires that landlords provide new tenants with a notice of landlord and tenant responsibilities.

Document will be created, maintained, and made available online by the City; landlord provides URL link to the tenant or provides printed version if requested.

This document will include information about the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants under city and state law, may include other resources.

The notice of landlord and tenant responsibilities can be found here.

Prohibiting source of income discrimination

Prohibits a denial of tenancy based on an applicant’s lawful, verifiable source of income

Note: does not apply to landlords who own and self-manage two or fewer units or to sources of income which require a landlord to participate in an optional federal housing assistance program.

  • Defines “source of income” as any lawful, verifiable source of money, including child support, savings, public/private subsidy, etc.;
  • Does not prohibit use of other screening criteria;
  • Does not prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant who does not pay rent or otherwise violates the lease agreement;
  • Does not restrict a landlord’s ability to set rents.

Source of Income Discrimination FAQ

Full security deposit return

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that security deposits will be returned in full when renters are being permanently displaced by demolition or substantial remodel.

Rental Application Fees

Passed in 2019, this ordinance requires transparency around rental application fees

  • Requires that landlords provide screening criteria to potential applicants, including the amount that will be charged for the application fee
  • Requires that fees be reasonable
  • Requires an explanation and receipt detailing how the fee was used, including copies of paperwork generated as a result of the screening
  • Requires that landlords only advertise, take applications, and screen applicants for units that will be available within a reasonable time period

See the Renter Protections ordinances

Ord-37-23 - Non-Discriminationord-35-23 - conduct, notice, security depositsChapter 16 - Rental Application Fees

Housing Conditions

Renters have rights that help make sure their homes are safe and livable. The City of Boise can investigate rental housing conditions that could affect your health or safety.

As a required first step, please submit a repair or maintenance request to your landlord or property manager. If the issue is not fixed within a reasonable timeframe, fill out the Substandard Housing Inspection Request form and report your concern below.

Common Housing Problems and Code Violations

Fire Safety

  • No working smoke detectors/alarms or carbon monoxide detectors
  • Blocked or missing emergency exits.

Doors & Windows

  • Severely broken or missing windows
  • Windows/doors that will not open, close, or lock to the outside, allowing ventilation air, water, or pests to enter.

Electrical

  • Exposed or unsafe wiring
  • Missing outlet or switch covers.

Plumbing

  • No hot or cold running water
  • Major broken pipes or leaks
  • Broken toilets, sinks, or drains not working
  • Sewage backup.

Heating

  • No heat provided / heating system broken
  • Unsafe or unvented heaters
  • Temperature can’t be maintained to 68°F in winter.

Structural Defects & Weatherproofing

  • Sagging or broken floors, walls, roofs or ceilings
  • Leaking roof
  • Loose or crumbling foundation
  • Exterior not sealed against rain and wind to allow significant damage

Common Areas / Stairs & Exits

  • Broken or missing stair rails
  • Unsafe or collapsing stairs.

We Cannot Investigate:

Mold concerns, AC, asbestos, lead paint, radon, pet stains / odors, or general maintenance requests (for example: minor leaking pipes, holes in interior walls, broken electrical plug, etc.)

See the Renter Protections ordinances:

Report Concerns

Violations of any of the above ordinances can be reported by submitting the form below or by phone at 208-972-8150 (option 4).

Complaints must be filed within 6 months of the alleged violation. Email cccr@cityofboise.org if you have any questions.

* Required

Resources for Landlords

We Heard You

These protections were created with regular feedback from renters, landlords, and anyone impacted by these provisions.

Community Outreach Report

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