Lease Says You Can't Report Landlord to Code Inspectors? (State-by-State)

Some leases try to stop tenants from reporting code violations to the city, joining a tenant union, or asking for repairs, or let the landlord end the lease or raise rent after a complaint. Many states protect tenants from retaliation for using their legal rights. The table below shows what each state's law says about retaliation.

What it looks like in a lease

“Tenant agrees not to contact any government agency regarding the condition of the Premises.”
“Any complaint to housing authorities is grounds for termination of this lease.”
“Landlord may increase rent or decline renewal at any time and for any reason.”

Why it's a red flag

A clause that bans reports to housing inspectors may try to waive a right your state's law protects.
Rent increases, eviction notices or non-renewal right after a complaint can be signs of retaliation.
Keeping repair requests in writing gives you a record if you later need to show what happened.

What to ask your landlord

Can the clause be removed, so I can report safety or code problems?
How should I send repair requests so there is a written record?
Can renewal and rent-increase terms be set out clearly in the lease?

State-by-state rules

The table shows each state's general retaliation rule. Check the cited statute for which actions are protected. Each row links to the statute. Data as of 2026-10-22.

Alabama
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by discriminatorily increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a code-enforcement agency, complained to the landlord of a 35-9A-204 violation, or joined a tenant organization. Tenant gets the 35-9A-407 remedies (up to 3 months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees) and a defense to possession. Exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, rent default, code compliance requiring alteration/demolition, other material lease violations (35-9A-501(c)). No time-based presumption.
Source: Ala. Code 35-9A-501, 35-9A-407
Alaska
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complained to the landlord of a habitability violation (§ 34.03.100), sought to enforce rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a governmental agency about housing, wage, price or rent controls. The tenant has the remedies in § 34.03.210 (recover possession or terminate, plus up to 1.5 times actual damages) and a defense to an eviction action. Exceptions: the landlord may still seek possession for unpaid rent, code-required work, waste or nuisance or illegal use, or in good faith for personal use, remodeling or demolition, or conversion out of residential use, and may raise rent for substantial tax or operating-cost increases, a capital improvement, or to match market rent (§ 34.03.310(c), (d)).
Source: AS 34.03.310
Arizona
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (raise rent, cut services, or bring/threaten eviction) because a tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the act creates a presumption of retaliation.
Source: A.R.S. § 33-1381
Arkansas
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
California
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (rent increase, reduced services, eviction) within 180 days after the tenant exercises legal rights such as complaining about habitability.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5
Colorado
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, end the lease, threaten eviction or otherwise intimidate a tenant for a good-faith habitability or health/safety complaint, or for joining or organizing a tenants' association; the tenant may end the lease and recover the greater of 3 months' rent or 3x actual damages, plus attorney fees, and can raise retaliation as a defense to eviction.
Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-509
Connecticut
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not bring a possession action, demand a rent increase or decrease services within six months after the tenant in good faith tried to fix a code violation by any lawful means (including complaining to officials or a fair rent commission), a municipal agency filed a notice, complaint or order, the tenant asked for repairs, started an action under 47a-14h, or organized or joined a tenants' union. Exceptions: nonpayment or lease violation, landlord needs the unit for own home in good faith, condition caused by the tenant or their guest, a notice to end a periodic tenancy given before the complaint; and a rent increase is allowed if the tenant caused the condition or the landlord's taxes or operating costs substantially rose (47a-20a).
Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-20, 47a-20a
Delaware
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not seek possession, raise rent or cut services because the tenant made a good-faith code complaint, a government authority filed a violation notice, the tenant organized or is an officer of a tenant organization, or the tenant pursued a legal right. Such action within 90 days of the complaint or act is presumed retaliatory.
Source: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5516
District of Columbia
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, cut in services, refusal to renew, harassment) against a tenant who exercises legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if, within the prior 6 months, the tenant asked for code repairs, complained to D.C. officials, joined a tenant organization, or sued the landlord; the landlord must rebut by clear and convincing evidence.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.02
Florida
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate against good-faith complaints or tenant organizing.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.64
Georgia
Retaliation rule
Retaliation for good-faith repair requests or complaints to authorities is prohibited.
Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-24
Hawaii
Retaliation rule
While the tenant keeps tendering the usual rent, the landlord may not bring an action for possession, force the tenant out, demand a rent increase, or decrease services after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, consumer protection office or other agency about a health-law or ch. 521 violation, (2) an agency filed a complaint or notice of violation, or (3) the tenant in good faith requested repairs under 521-63 or 521-64 (HRS 521-74(a)). Exceptions include waste, nuisance or illegal use; good-faith recovery for the landlord's or immediate family's own abode, or to alter, remodel or demolish; conditions caused by the tenant; a health department certification of compliance; a good-faith contract of sale; and a periodic-tenancy termination notice given before the complaint (521-74(b)). Rent may still be raised for property tax or operating cost increases, capital improvements, comparable market rent, or after a compliance certification (521-74(d)). The tenant may recover damages and costs including attorney's fees (521-74(c)). No time-based presumption found.
Source: HRS 521-74
Idaho
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Illinois
Retaliation rule
Retaliation against tenants who complain to authorities or exercise legal rights is prohibited.
Source: 765 ILCS 720
Indiana
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not raise rent, cut or interfere with services, or bring or threaten an eviction or possession action in response to protected activity: complaining to a code-enforcement agency about a health or safety violation, written complaint to the landlord about a violation of the entry or habitability duties, suing the landlord under ch. 6 or 8, joining a tenant organisation, or testifying against the landlord. Exceptions include not renewing at term end, raising rent to comparable market rent, equal service cuts, unpaid rent not cured, tenant-caused violations, and good-faith owner use or demolition. No time-based presumption.
Source: IC 32-31-8.5-2, 8.5-4, 8.5-5
Iowa
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith complaint within the prior year creates a presumption of retaliation. The tenant can recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.
Source: Iowa Code § 562A.36
Kansas
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent or cutting services because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith increase to cover higher costs (taxes, utility rates) is allowed if the lease permits it.
Source: K.S.A. 58-2572
Kentucky
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue/threaten eviction because the tenant complained to a code agency or the landlord, or joined a tenants' union; a complaint within 1 year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation (URLTA areas).
Source: KRS 383.705
Louisiana
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Maine
Retaliation rule
An eviction action is presumed retaliatory if, within the 6 months before it was filed, the tenant asserted rights under the rent-increase, habitability or fee statutes, made a good-faith code complaint to an enforcement body, or made a good-faith written repair request to the landlord.
Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(3)
Maryland
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not sue or threaten to sue for possession, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services or end a periodic tenancy because of a good-faith complaint (to the landlord or a public agency), a lawsuit, tenant-organization activity, or someone summoning police/emergency services; damages up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees. Protection requires the tenant to be current on rent (unless lawfully withholding) and covers actions within 6 months of the complaint/lawsuit.
Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Massachusetts
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not threaten or take reprisals against a tenant for reporting a code violation to the board of health or other enforcement body, complaining in writing to the landlord, suing or seeking relief under a housing law, or organizing or joining a tenants' union. The landlord is liable for actual damages or one to three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees. A notice terminating the tenancy (other than for non-payment of rent), a rent increase or a substantial change in lease terms within 6 months after the tenant's protected activity is presumed to be a reprisal, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence of an independent justification. Retaliation is also a defense to eviction (c. 239 § 2A, same 6-month presumption). Any lease waiver is void.
Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 18; c. 239, § 2A
Michigan
Retaliation rule
A court may not enter a judgment for possession if the termination was intended primarily as a penalty for the tenant's attempt to secure or enforce rights under the lease or law, for a complaint to a government authority about health or safety code violations, or as retribution for a lawful act arising out of the tenancy, including tenant organization membership. If the tenant shows they took official action (through a court or government agency) within 90 days before the eviction case began and it was not dismissed or denied, a presumption of retaliation arises that the landlord must rebut by a preponderance of the evidence. If the action was more than 90 days earlier or ended against the tenant, the presumption is against the tenant (600.5720(2)). The statute is framed as a defense to a possession judgment, not a general ban on retaliation.
Source: MCL 600.5720(1), (2)
Minnesota
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not evict, increase obligations or decrease services as a penalty for a tenant's good-faith complaint or for enforcing lease or legal rights. If the action comes within 90 days of the complaint/act, the landlord bears the burden of proving it was not retaliatory.
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.441, 504B.285, subds. 2-3
Mississippi
Retaliation rule
No general anti-retaliation section found in the Act. The only retaliation text is in 89-8-17(2): the landlord may demand a rent increase after a rental agreement expires only if the landlord's actions did not have the dominant purpose of retaliation against the tenant for actions authorized under the Act and the landlord received written notice of each condition that was the subject of the tenant's actions. The Act also imposes a general duty of good faith on the landlord's termination, nonrenewal and removal of a tenant (89-8-9).
Source: 89-8-17(2), 89-8-9
Missouri
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Montana
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant (a) complained of a health-and-safety code violation to a government agency, (b) complained in writing to the landlord of a violation of § 70-24-303 (habitability), or (c) organized or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation (not if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or reduced services). The tenant gets the remedies of § 70-24-411 and a defense to a possession action. The landlord may still seek possession if the tenant caused the violation, is in default in rent, or compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit.
Source: MCA § 70-24-431
Nebraska
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complains to a government agency about a code violation materially affecting health and safety, or organizes or joins a tenants' union. Exceptions: violation caused by the tenant, tenant in rent default, or compliance requiring alteration or demolition that would deprive the tenant of the unit. No time-based presumption.
Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1439
Nevada
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (end or refuse to renew tenancy, raise rent, cut services, or threaten eviction) because a tenant made a good-faith code complaint, organized a tenants' group, or used habitability remedies.
Source: NRS 118A.510
New Hampshire
Retaliation rule
Except where the tenant owes one week's rent or more, it is a defence to a possessory action on residential property that the action was in retaliation for the tenant (I) reporting a violation (or what he reasonably and in good faith believes is a violation) of RSA 540-A or an unreasonable and substantial violation of a regulation/housing code to the landlord or an inspecting authority, (II) initiating a good-faith action under RSA 540-A or using the procedure of 540:13-d, or (III) meeting with other tenants for any lawful purpose (RSA 540:13-a). No time-based presumption.
Source: RSA 540:13-a
New Jersey
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not serve a notice to quit, sue for possession, or substantially change the tenancy (including refusing to renew without cause) as reprisal for the tenant trying to enforce rights under the lease or law, making a good-faith complaint to a government authority (after first telling the landlord and allowing reasonable time to fix it), or being involved in any lawful organization (2A:42-10.10). A notice to quit or substantial change without cause after such an act creates a rebuttable presumption of reprisal; no fixed time window applies (2A:42-10.12). The tenant can sue for damages and injunctive relief and wins any eviction case brought for these reasons (2A:42-10.10, 10.11). Does not apply to owner-occupied premises with no more than 2 rental units (2A:42-10.13).
Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 to 2A:42-10.13
New Mexico
Retaliation rule
An owner may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten a possession action because, within the previous six months, the resident complained to a code agency, organised, exercised rights (incl. written repair requests), made a fair-housing complaint, was in a lawsuit, testified or abated rent. Uniform increases applied to similar units are allowed. Violations: liable for two times the monthly rent and it is a defense to eviction.
Source: NMSA 47-8-39, 47-8-48(C)
New York
Retaliation rule
Retaliation for good-faith complaints is prohibited; rebuttable presumption of retaliation for actions within 1 year of the complaint.
Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b
North Carolina
Retaliation rule
Retaliatory eviction is a defense when it follows a good-faith complaint or exercise of rights within 12 months.
Source: N.C.G.S. § 42-37.1
North Dakota
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Source: N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16 (no general retaliation provision found). § 47-16-17.1(10) bars refusing to rent, or otherwise retaliating, solely because a tenant exercised the right to terminate a lease as a domestic violence victim.
Ohio
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict because a tenant complained to authorities or the landlord or joined a tenant union.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02
Oklahoma
Retaliation rule
No general retaliation statute found in 41 O.S. §§ 101-136. The only anti-retaliation text found is § 113.3: a landlord may not deny, refuse to renew or terminate a tenancy because the applicant, tenant or household member is a victim or alleged victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, and may not deny a tenancy or retaliate against a tenant who previously terminated a rental agreement for that reason.
Source: 41 O.S. § 113.3 (no general retaliation provision found)
Oregon
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, serve a termination notice or threaten eviction because a tenant complained in good faith to the landlord or to a government agency (housing/health code, discrimination), joined or organized a tenants' union, testified against the landlord, won an eviction case in the last 6 months, or asserted any legal tenant right; retaliation is a defense to eviction.
Source: ORS 90.385
Pennsylvania
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Rhode Island
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a housing-code enforcement agency about a violation materially affecting health and safety, complained to the landlord of a violation of the landlord's maintenance duties (34-18-22), organized or joined a tenants' union, or used any other lawful right or remedy. Evidence of a complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a presumption of retaliation, which does not arise if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or loss of services. The landlord may still seek possession if the violation was caused primarily by the tenant's lack of reasonable care, the tenant is in default in rent, or code compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit and relocation requirements are met.
Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46(a)-(c)
South Carolina
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or sue for possession because the tenant complained to a code agency or to the landlord about a violation of the Act. Liability up to 3 months' rent or treble actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees. Tenant must give written notice of the defense within 10 days after service of the Rule to Vacate.
Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-910
South Dakota
Retaliation rule
A tenant of residential property has a cause of action if the landlord increases rent above fair market value, decreases electric, gas, water or sewer service, or gives notice to vacate not based on a lease breach, after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to a governmental agency about a housing or building code violation materially affecting health and safety and the landlord received written notice of it, (2) gave the landlord written notice of a repair condition under § 43-32-9, or (3) organized or joined a tenants' union. It is a defense that the notice to vacate came more than 180 days after that event; not renewing a written lease at expiration is not retaliation. The tenant gets the remedies in § 43-32-6 and the court may award reasonable attorney's fees.
Source: SDCL §§ 43-32-27, 43-32-28
Tennessee
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent, cutting services or bringing/threatening a possession action because the tenant complained to the landlord of a violation (the statute cross-references § 66-28-301) or used remedies under the Act (exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, tenant in rent default, code compliance that requires alteration, remodeling or demolition).
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-514
Texas
Retaliation rule
No retaliation for 6 months after a tenant in good faith requests repairs or exercises legal rights.
Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331
Utah
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Vermont
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate, by establishing or changing rental terms or by bringing or threatening an action, against a tenant who complained to a government agency about a health or safety violation of building, housing or health regulations, complained to the landlord of a violation of chapter 137, or organized or joined a tenants' union (§ 4465(a)). A tenant can recover damages and attorney's fees, and may raise it as a defense to an action for possession (§ 4465(b)). If the landlord serves a termination notice on any ground other than nonpayment of rent within 90 days after a municipal or state notice that the premises violate health or safety rules, there is a rebuttable presumption the termination is retaliatory (§ 4465(c)).
Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)-(c)
Virginia
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or threaten/bring an eviction or termination because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained or sued under the Act, joined a tenants' organization, or testified against the landlord. Tenant may recover actual damages and raise retaliation as a defense. (Expanded version effective January 1, 2027.)
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1258
Washington
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, reduced services, added obligations) for good-faith complaints to authorities or asserting rights; action within 90 days is presumed retaliatory (rebuttable), except when the tenant is behind on rent or in breach.
Source: RCW 59.18.240, 59.18.250
West Virginia
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Wisconsin
Retaliation rule
A residential landlord may not raise rent, cut services, start an action for possession, refuse to renew a lease, or threaten any of these if the tenant shows by a preponderance of the evidence the action would not occur but for retaliation for: a good-faith complaint about a premises defect to an elected official or local housing code agency; complaining to the landlord about a violation of s. 704.07 or the housing code; or exercising a legal right relating to residential tenancies. The landlord may still sue for possession for unpaid rent (other than a prohibited rent increase), and the section does not cover defects caused by the tenant's negligence or improper use (704.45). The rules also bar terminating a tenancy, refusing renewal or constructively evicting a tenant in retaliation for reporting a code or ATCP 134 violation, joining a tenant union, or asserting rights under state or local law (ATCP 134.09(5)). No fixed look-back presumption period.
Source: Wis. Stat. 704.45; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(5)
Wyoming
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Source: W.S. 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 (no retaliation provision found; the Wyoming Safe Homes Act, § 1-21-1303(c), bars terminating a tenancy based solely on victim status)

State	Retaliation rule	Source
Alabama	A landlord may not retaliate by discriminatorily increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a code-enforcement agency, complained to the landlord of a 35-9A-204 violation, or joined a tenant organization. Tenant gets the 35-9A-407 remedies (up to 3 months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees) and a defense to possession. Exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, rent default, code compliance requiring alteration/demolition, other material lease violations (35-9A-501(c)). No time-based presumption.	Ala. Code 35-9A-501, 35-9A-407
Alaska	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complained to the landlord of a habitability violation (§ 34.03.100), sought to enforce rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a governmental agency about housing, wage, price or rent controls. The tenant has the remedies in § 34.03.210 (recover possession or terminate, plus up to 1.5 times actual damages) and a defense to an eviction action. Exceptions: the landlord may still seek possession for unpaid rent, code-required work, waste or nuisance or illegal use, or in good faith for personal use, remodeling or demolition, or conversion out of residential use, and may raise rent for substantial tax or operating-cost increases, a capital improvement, or to match market rent (§ 34.03.310(c), (d)).	AS 34.03.310
Arizona	Landlord may not retaliate (raise rent, cut services, or bring/threaten eviction) because a tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the act creates a presumption of retaliation.	A.R.S. § 33-1381
Arkansas	Not verified yet	—
California	Landlord may not retaliate (rent increase, reduced services, eviction) within 180 days after the tenant exercises legal rights such as complaining about habitability.	Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5
Colorado	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, end the lease, threaten eviction or otherwise intimidate a tenant for a good-faith habitability or health/safety complaint, or for joining or organizing a tenants' association; the tenant may end the lease and recover the greater of 3 months' rent or 3x actual damages, plus attorney fees, and can raise retaliation as a defense to eviction.	C.R.S. § 38-12-509
Connecticut	A landlord may not bring a possession action, demand a rent increase or decrease services within six months after the tenant in good faith tried to fix a code violation by any lawful means (including complaining to officials or a fair rent commission), a municipal agency filed a notice, complaint or order, the tenant asked for repairs, started an action under 47a-14h, or organized or joined a tenants' union. Exceptions: nonpayment or lease violation, landlord needs the unit for own home in good faith, condition caused by the tenant or their guest, a notice to end a periodic tenancy given before the complaint; and a rent increase is allowed if the tenant caused the condition or the landlord's taxes or operating costs substantially rose (47a-20a).	Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-20, 47a-20a
Delaware	A landlord may not seek possession, raise rent or cut services because the tenant made a good-faith code complaint, a government authority filed a violation notice, the tenant organized or is an officer of a tenant organization, or the tenant pursued a legal right. Such action within 90 days of the complaint or act is presumed retaliatory.	Del. Code tit. 25, § 5516
District of Columbia	Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, cut in services, refusal to renew, harassment) against a tenant who exercises legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if, within the prior 6 months, the tenant asked for code repairs, complained to D.C. officials, joined a tenant organization, or sued the landlord; the landlord must rebut by clear and convincing evidence.	D.C. Code § 42-3505.02
Florida	Landlord may not retaliate against good-faith complaints or tenant organizing.	Fla. Stat. § 83.64
Georgia	Retaliation for good-faith repair requests or complaints to authorities is prohibited.	O.C.G.A. § 44-7-24
Hawaii	While the tenant keeps tendering the usual rent, the landlord may not bring an action for possession, force the tenant out, demand a rent increase, or decrease services after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, consumer protection office or other agency about a health-law or ch. 521 violation, (2) an agency filed a complaint or notice of violation, or (3) the tenant in good faith requested repairs under 521-63 or 521-64 (HRS 521-74(a)). Exceptions include waste, nuisance or illegal use; good-faith recovery for the landlord's or immediate family's own abode, or to alter, remodel or demolish; conditions caused by the tenant; a health department certification of compliance; a good-faith contract of sale; and a periodic-tenancy termination notice given before the complaint (521-74(b)). Rent may still be raised for property tax or operating cost increases, capital improvements, comparable market rent, or after a compliance certification (521-74(d)). The tenant may recover damages and costs including attorney's fees (521-74(c)). No time-based presumption found.	HRS 521-74
Idaho	Not verified yet	—
Illinois	Retaliation against tenants who complain to authorities or exercise legal rights is prohibited.	765 ILCS 720
Indiana	A landlord may not raise rent, cut or interfere with services, or bring or threaten an eviction or possession action in response to protected activity: complaining to a code-enforcement agency about a health or safety violation, written complaint to the landlord about a violation of the entry or habitability duties, suing the landlord under ch. 6 or 8, joining a tenant organisation, or testifying against the landlord. Exceptions include not renewing at term end, raising rent to comparable market rent, equal service cuts, unpaid rent not cured, tenant-caused violations, and good-faith owner use or demolition. No time-based presumption.	IC 32-31-8.5-2, 8.5-4, 8.5-5
Iowa	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith complaint within the prior year creates a presumption of retaliation. The tenant can recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.	Iowa Code § 562A.36
Kansas	Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent or cutting services because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith increase to cover higher costs (taxes, utility rates) is allowed if the lease permits it.	K.S.A. 58-2572
Kentucky	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue/threaten eviction because the tenant complained to a code agency or the landlord, or joined a tenants' union; a complaint within 1 year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation (URLTA areas).	KRS 383.705
Louisiana	Not verified yet	—
Maine	An eviction action is presumed retaliatory if, within the 6 months before it was filed, the tenant asserted rights under the rent-increase, habitability or fee statutes, made a good-faith code complaint to an enforcement body, or made a good-faith written repair request to the landlord.	14 M.R.S. § 6001(3)
Maryland	Landlord may not sue or threaten to sue for possession, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services or end a periodic tenancy because of a good-faith complaint (to the landlord or a public agency), a lawsuit, tenant-organization activity, or someone summoning police/emergency services; damages up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees. Protection requires the tenant to be current on rent (unless lawfully withholding) and covers actions within 6 months of the complaint/lawsuit.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Massachusetts	A landlord may not threaten or take reprisals against a tenant for reporting a code violation to the board of health or other enforcement body, complaining in writing to the landlord, suing or seeking relief under a housing law, or organizing or joining a tenants' union. The landlord is liable for actual damages or one to three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees. A notice terminating the tenancy (other than for non-payment of rent), a rent increase or a substantial change in lease terms within 6 months after the tenant's protected activity is presumed to be a reprisal, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence of an independent justification. Retaliation is also a defense to eviction (c. 239 § 2A, same 6-month presumption). Any lease waiver is void.	M.G.L. c. 186, § 18; c. 239, § 2A
Michigan	A court may not enter a judgment for possession if the termination was intended primarily as a penalty for the tenant's attempt to secure or enforce rights under the lease or law, for a complaint to a government authority about health or safety code violations, or as retribution for a lawful act arising out of the tenancy, including tenant organization membership. If the tenant shows they took official action (through a court or government agency) within 90 days before the eviction case began and it was not dismissed or denied, a presumption of retaliation arises that the landlord must rebut by a preponderance of the evidence. If the action was more than 90 days earlier or ended against the tenant, the presumption is against the tenant (600.5720(2)). The statute is framed as a defense to a possession judgment, not a general ban on retaliation.	MCL 600.5720(1), (2)
Minnesota	A landlord may not evict, increase obligations or decrease services as a penalty for a tenant's good-faith complaint or for enforcing lease or legal rights. If the action comes within 90 days of the complaint/act, the landlord bears the burden of proving it was not retaliatory.	Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.441, 504B.285, subds. 2-3
Mississippi	No general anti-retaliation section found in the Act. The only retaliation text is in 89-8-17(2): the landlord may demand a rent increase after a rental agreement expires only if the landlord's actions did not have the dominant purpose of retaliation against the tenant for actions authorized under the Act and the landlord received written notice of each condition that was the subject of the tenant's actions. The Act also imposes a general duty of good faith on the landlord's termination, nonrenewal and removal of a tenant (89-8-9).	89-8-17(2), 89-8-9
Missouri	Not verified yet	—
Montana	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant (a) complained of a health-and-safety code violation to a government agency, (b) complained in writing to the landlord of a violation of § 70-24-303 (habitability), or (c) organized or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation (not if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or reduced services). The tenant gets the remedies of § 70-24-411 and a defense to a possession action. The landlord may still seek possession if the tenant caused the violation, is in default in rent, or compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit.	MCA § 70-24-431
Nebraska	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complains to a government agency about a code violation materially affecting health and safety, or organizes or joins a tenants' union. Exceptions: violation caused by the tenant, tenant in rent default, or compliance requiring alteration or demolition that would deprive the tenant of the unit. No time-based presumption.	Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1439
Nevada	Landlord may not retaliate (end or refuse to renew tenancy, raise rent, cut services, or threaten eviction) because a tenant made a good-faith code complaint, organized a tenants' group, or used habitability remedies.	NRS 118A.510
New Hampshire	Except where the tenant owes one week's rent or more, it is a defence to a possessory action on residential property that the action was in retaliation for the tenant (I) reporting a violation (or what he reasonably and in good faith believes is a violation) of RSA 540-A or an unreasonable and substantial violation of a regulation/housing code to the landlord or an inspecting authority, (II) initiating a good-faith action under RSA 540-A or using the procedure of 540:13-d, or (III) meeting with other tenants for any lawful purpose (RSA 540:13-a). No time-based presumption.	RSA 540:13-a
New Jersey	A landlord may not serve a notice to quit, sue for possession, or substantially change the tenancy (including refusing to renew without cause) as reprisal for the tenant trying to enforce rights under the lease or law, making a good-faith complaint to a government authority (after first telling the landlord and allowing reasonable time to fix it), or being involved in any lawful organization (2A:42-10.10). A notice to quit or substantial change without cause after such an act creates a rebuttable presumption of reprisal; no fixed time window applies (2A:42-10.12). The tenant can sue for damages and injunctive relief and wins any eviction case brought for these reasons (2A:42-10.10, 10.11). Does not apply to owner-occupied premises with no more than 2 rental units (2A:42-10.13).	N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 to 2A:42-10.13
New Mexico	An owner may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten a possession action because, within the previous six months, the resident complained to a code agency, organised, exercised rights (incl. written repair requests), made a fair-housing complaint, was in a lawsuit, testified or abated rent. Uniform increases applied to similar units are allowed. Violations: liable for two times the monthly rent and it is a defense to eviction.	NMSA 47-8-39, 47-8-48(C)
New York	Retaliation for good-faith complaints is prohibited; rebuttable presumption of retaliation for actions within 1 year of the complaint.	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b
North Carolina	Retaliatory eviction is a defense when it follows a good-faith complaint or exercise of rights within 12 months.	N.C.G.S. § 42-37.1
North Dakota	Not verified yet	N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16 (no general retaliation provision found). § 47-16-17.1(10) bars refusing to rent, or otherwise retaliating, solely because a tenant exercised the right to terminate a lease as a domestic violence victim.
Ohio	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict because a tenant complained to authorities or the landlord or joined a tenant union.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02
Oklahoma	No general retaliation statute found in 41 O.S. §§ 101-136. The only anti-retaliation text found is § 113.3: a landlord may not deny, refuse to renew or terminate a tenancy because the applicant, tenant or household member is a victim or alleged victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, and may not deny a tenancy or retaliate against a tenant who previously terminated a rental agreement for that reason.	41 O.S. § 113.3 (no general retaliation provision found)
Oregon	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, serve a termination notice or threaten eviction because a tenant complained in good faith to the landlord or to a government agency (housing/health code, discrimination), joined or organized a tenants' union, testified against the landlord, won an eviction case in the last 6 months, or asserted any legal tenant right; retaliation is a defense to eviction.	ORS 90.385
Pennsylvania	Not verified yet	—
Rhode Island	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a housing-code enforcement agency about a violation materially affecting health and safety, complained to the landlord of a violation of the landlord's maintenance duties (34-18-22), organized or joined a tenants' union, or used any other lawful right or remedy. Evidence of a complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a presumption of retaliation, which does not arise if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or loss of services. The landlord may still seek possession if the violation was caused primarily by the tenant's lack of reasonable care, the tenant is in default in rent, or code compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit and relocation requirements are met.	R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46(a)-(c)
South Carolina	Landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or sue for possession because the tenant complained to a code agency or to the landlord about a violation of the Act. Liability up to 3 months' rent or treble actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees. Tenant must give written notice of the defense within 10 days after service of the Rule to Vacate.	S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-910
South Dakota	A tenant of residential property has a cause of action if the landlord increases rent above fair market value, decreases electric, gas, water or sewer service, or gives notice to vacate not based on a lease breach, after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to a governmental agency about a housing or building code violation materially affecting health and safety and the landlord received written notice of it, (2) gave the landlord written notice of a repair condition under § 43-32-9, or (3) organized or joined a tenants' union. It is a defense that the notice to vacate came more than 180 days after that event; not renewing a written lease at expiration is not retaliation. The tenant gets the remedies in § 43-32-6 and the court may award reasonable attorney's fees.	SDCL §§ 43-32-27, 43-32-28
Tennessee	Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent, cutting services or bringing/threatening a possession action because the tenant complained to the landlord of a violation (the statute cross-references § 66-28-301) or used remedies under the Act (exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, tenant in rent default, code compliance that requires alteration, remodeling or demolition).	Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-514
Texas	No retaliation for 6 months after a tenant in good faith requests repairs or exercises legal rights.	Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331
Utah	Not verified yet	—
Vermont	A landlord may not retaliate, by establishing or changing rental terms or by bringing or threatening an action, against a tenant who complained to a government agency about a health or safety violation of building, housing or health regulations, complained to the landlord of a violation of chapter 137, or organized or joined a tenants' union (§ 4465(a)). A tenant can recover damages and attorney's fees, and may raise it as a defense to an action for possession (§ 4465(b)). If the landlord serves a termination notice on any ground other than nonpayment of rent within 90 days after a municipal or state notice that the premises violate health or safety rules, there is a rebuttable presumption the termination is retaliatory (§ 4465(c)).	9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)-(c)
Virginia	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or threaten/bring an eviction or termination because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained or sued under the Act, joined a tenants' organization, or testified against the landlord. Tenant may recover actual damages and raise retaliation as a defense. (Expanded version effective January 1, 2027.)	Va. Code § 55.1-1258
Washington	Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, reduced services, added obligations) for good-faith complaints to authorities or asserting rights; action within 90 days is presumed retaliatory (rebuttable), except when the tenant is behind on rent or in breach.	RCW 59.18.240, 59.18.250
West Virginia	Not verified yet	—
Wisconsin	A residential landlord may not raise rent, cut services, start an action for possession, refuse to renew a lease, or threaten any of these if the tenant shows by a preponderance of the evidence the action would not occur but for retaliation for: a good-faith complaint about a premises defect to an elected official or local housing code agency; complaining to the landlord about a violation of s. 704.07 or the housing code; or exercising a legal right relating to residential tenancies. The landlord may still sue for possession for unpaid rent (other than a prohibited rent increase), and the section does not cover defects caused by the tenant's negligence or improper use (704.45). The rules also bar terminating a tenancy, refusing renewal or constructively evicting a tenant in retaliation for reporting a code or ATCP 134 violation, joining a tenant union, or asserting rights under state or local law (ATCP 134.09(5)). No fixed look-back presumption period.	Wis. Stat. 704.45; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(5)
Wyoming	Not verified yet	W.S. 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 (no retaliation provision found; the Wyoming Safe Homes Act, § 1-21-1303(c), bars terminating a tenancy based solely on victim status)

Cities and counties can add stricter rules (e.g. Chicago, New York City). Full rules for each state: state tenant laws.

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General information only, not legal advice. Laws change — verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.

Lease Says You Can't Report Landlord to Code Inspectors? (State-by-State)

What it looks like in a lease

“Tenant agrees not to contact any government agency regarding the condition of the Premises.”
“Any complaint to housing authorities is grounds for termination of this lease.”
“Landlord may increase rent or decline renewal at any time and for any reason.”

Why it's a red flag

A clause that bans reports to housing inspectors may try to waive a right your state's law protects.
Rent increases, eviction notices or non-renewal right after a complaint can be signs of retaliation.
Keeping repair requests in writing gives you a record if you later need to show what happened.

What to ask your landlord

Can the clause be removed, so I can report safety or code problems?
How should I send repair requests so there is a written record?
Can renewal and rent-increase terms be set out clearly in the lease?

State-by-state rules

The table shows each state's general retaliation rule. Check the cited statute for which actions are protected. Each row links to the statute. Data as of 2026-10-22.

Alabama
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by discriminatorily increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a code-enforcement agency, complained to the landlord of a 35-9A-204 violation, or joined a tenant organization. Tenant gets the 35-9A-407 remedies (up to 3 months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees) and a defense to possession. Exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, rent default, code compliance requiring alteration/demolition, other material lease violations (35-9A-501(c)). No time-based presumption.
Source: Ala. Code 35-9A-501, 35-9A-407
Alaska
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complained to the landlord of a habitability violation (§ 34.03.100), sought to enforce rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a governmental agency about housing, wage, price or rent controls. The tenant has the remedies in § 34.03.210 (recover possession or terminate, plus up to 1.5 times actual damages) and a defense to an eviction action. Exceptions: the landlord may still seek possession for unpaid rent, code-required work, waste or nuisance or illegal use, or in good faith for personal use, remodeling or demolition, or conversion out of residential use, and may raise rent for substantial tax or operating-cost increases, a capital improvement, or to match market rent (§ 34.03.310(c), (d)).
Source: AS 34.03.310
Arizona
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (raise rent, cut services, or bring/threaten eviction) because a tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the act creates a presumption of retaliation.
Source: A.R.S. § 33-1381
Arkansas
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
California
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (rent increase, reduced services, eviction) within 180 days after the tenant exercises legal rights such as complaining about habitability.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5
Colorado
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, end the lease, threaten eviction or otherwise intimidate a tenant for a good-faith habitability or health/safety complaint, or for joining or organizing a tenants' association; the tenant may end the lease and recover the greater of 3 months' rent or 3x actual damages, plus attorney fees, and can raise retaliation as a defense to eviction.
Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-509
Connecticut
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not bring a possession action, demand a rent increase or decrease services within six months after the tenant in good faith tried to fix a code violation by any lawful means (including complaining to officials or a fair rent commission), a municipal agency filed a notice, complaint or order, the tenant asked for repairs, started an action under 47a-14h, or organized or joined a tenants' union. Exceptions: nonpayment or lease violation, landlord needs the unit for own home in good faith, condition caused by the tenant or their guest, a notice to end a periodic tenancy given before the complaint; and a rent increase is allowed if the tenant caused the condition or the landlord's taxes or operating costs substantially rose (47a-20a).
Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-20, 47a-20a
Delaware
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not seek possession, raise rent or cut services because the tenant made a good-faith code complaint, a government authority filed a violation notice, the tenant organized or is an officer of a tenant organization, or the tenant pursued a legal right. Such action within 90 days of the complaint or act is presumed retaliatory.
Source: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5516
District of Columbia
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, cut in services, refusal to renew, harassment) against a tenant who exercises legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if, within the prior 6 months, the tenant asked for code repairs, complained to D.C. officials, joined a tenant organization, or sued the landlord; the landlord must rebut by clear and convincing evidence.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.02
Florida
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate against good-faith complaints or tenant organizing.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.64
Georgia
Retaliation rule
Retaliation for good-faith repair requests or complaints to authorities is prohibited.
Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-24
Hawaii
Retaliation rule
While the tenant keeps tendering the usual rent, the landlord may not bring an action for possession, force the tenant out, demand a rent increase, or decrease services after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, consumer protection office or other agency about a health-law or ch. 521 violation, (2) an agency filed a complaint or notice of violation, or (3) the tenant in good faith requested repairs under 521-63 or 521-64 (HRS 521-74(a)). Exceptions include waste, nuisance or illegal use; good-faith recovery for the landlord's or immediate family's own abode, or to alter, remodel or demolish; conditions caused by the tenant; a health department certification of compliance; a good-faith contract of sale; and a periodic-tenancy termination notice given before the complaint (521-74(b)). Rent may still be raised for property tax or operating cost increases, capital improvements, comparable market rent, or after a compliance certification (521-74(d)). The tenant may recover damages and costs including attorney's fees (521-74(c)). No time-based presumption found.
Source: HRS 521-74
Idaho
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Illinois
Retaliation rule
Retaliation against tenants who complain to authorities or exercise legal rights is prohibited.
Source: 765 ILCS 720
Indiana
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not raise rent, cut or interfere with services, or bring or threaten an eviction or possession action in response to protected activity: complaining to a code-enforcement agency about a health or safety violation, written complaint to the landlord about a violation of the entry or habitability duties, suing the landlord under ch. 6 or 8, joining a tenant organisation, or testifying against the landlord. Exceptions include not renewing at term end, raising rent to comparable market rent, equal service cuts, unpaid rent not cured, tenant-caused violations, and good-faith owner use or demolition. No time-based presumption.
Source: IC 32-31-8.5-2, 8.5-4, 8.5-5
Iowa
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith complaint within the prior year creates a presumption of retaliation. The tenant can recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.
Source: Iowa Code § 562A.36
Kansas
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent or cutting services because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith increase to cover higher costs (taxes, utility rates) is allowed if the lease permits it.
Source: K.S.A. 58-2572
Kentucky
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue/threaten eviction because the tenant complained to a code agency or the landlord, or joined a tenants' union; a complaint within 1 year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation (URLTA areas).
Source: KRS 383.705
Louisiana
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Maine
Retaliation rule
An eviction action is presumed retaliatory if, within the 6 months before it was filed, the tenant asserted rights under the rent-increase, habitability or fee statutes, made a good-faith code complaint to an enforcement body, or made a good-faith written repair request to the landlord.
Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(3)
Maryland
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not sue or threaten to sue for possession, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services or end a periodic tenancy because of a good-faith complaint (to the landlord or a public agency), a lawsuit, tenant-organization activity, or someone summoning police/emergency services; damages up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees. Protection requires the tenant to be current on rent (unless lawfully withholding) and covers actions within 6 months of the complaint/lawsuit.
Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Massachusetts
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not threaten or take reprisals against a tenant for reporting a code violation to the board of health or other enforcement body, complaining in writing to the landlord, suing or seeking relief under a housing law, or organizing or joining a tenants' union. The landlord is liable for actual damages or one to three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees. A notice terminating the tenancy (other than for non-payment of rent), a rent increase or a substantial change in lease terms within 6 months after the tenant's protected activity is presumed to be a reprisal, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence of an independent justification. Retaliation is also a defense to eviction (c. 239 § 2A, same 6-month presumption). Any lease waiver is void.
Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 18; c. 239, § 2A
Michigan
Retaliation rule
A court may not enter a judgment for possession if the termination was intended primarily as a penalty for the tenant's attempt to secure or enforce rights under the lease or law, for a complaint to a government authority about health or safety code violations, or as retribution for a lawful act arising out of the tenancy, including tenant organization membership. If the tenant shows they took official action (through a court or government agency) within 90 days before the eviction case began and it was not dismissed or denied, a presumption of retaliation arises that the landlord must rebut by a preponderance of the evidence. If the action was more than 90 days earlier or ended against the tenant, the presumption is against the tenant (600.5720(2)). The statute is framed as a defense to a possession judgment, not a general ban on retaliation.
Source: MCL 600.5720(1), (2)
Minnesota
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not evict, increase obligations or decrease services as a penalty for a tenant's good-faith complaint or for enforcing lease or legal rights. If the action comes within 90 days of the complaint/act, the landlord bears the burden of proving it was not retaliatory.
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.441, 504B.285, subds. 2-3
Mississippi
Retaliation rule
No general anti-retaliation section found in the Act. The only retaliation text is in 89-8-17(2): the landlord may demand a rent increase after a rental agreement expires only if the landlord's actions did not have the dominant purpose of retaliation against the tenant for actions authorized under the Act and the landlord received written notice of each condition that was the subject of the tenant's actions. The Act also imposes a general duty of good faith on the landlord's termination, nonrenewal and removal of a tenant (89-8-9).
Source: 89-8-17(2), 89-8-9
Missouri
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Montana
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant (a) complained of a health-and-safety code violation to a government agency, (b) complained in writing to the landlord of a violation of § 70-24-303 (habitability), or (c) organized or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation (not if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or reduced services). The tenant gets the remedies of § 70-24-411 and a defense to a possession action. The landlord may still seek possession if the tenant caused the violation, is in default in rent, or compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit.
Source: MCA § 70-24-431
Nebraska
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complains to a government agency about a code violation materially affecting health and safety, or organizes or joins a tenants' union. Exceptions: violation caused by the tenant, tenant in rent default, or compliance requiring alteration or demolition that would deprive the tenant of the unit. No time-based presumption.
Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1439
Nevada
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (end or refuse to renew tenancy, raise rent, cut services, or threaten eviction) because a tenant made a good-faith code complaint, organized a tenants' group, or used habitability remedies.
Source: NRS 118A.510
New Hampshire
Retaliation rule
Except where the tenant owes one week's rent or more, it is a defence to a possessory action on residential property that the action was in retaliation for the tenant (I) reporting a violation (or what he reasonably and in good faith believes is a violation) of RSA 540-A or an unreasonable and substantial violation of a regulation/housing code to the landlord or an inspecting authority, (II) initiating a good-faith action under RSA 540-A or using the procedure of 540:13-d, or (III) meeting with other tenants for any lawful purpose (RSA 540:13-a). No time-based presumption.
Source: RSA 540:13-a
New Jersey
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not serve a notice to quit, sue for possession, or substantially change the tenancy (including refusing to renew without cause) as reprisal for the tenant trying to enforce rights under the lease or law, making a good-faith complaint to a government authority (after first telling the landlord and allowing reasonable time to fix it), or being involved in any lawful organization (2A:42-10.10). A notice to quit or substantial change without cause after such an act creates a rebuttable presumption of reprisal; no fixed time window applies (2A:42-10.12). The tenant can sue for damages and injunctive relief and wins any eviction case brought for these reasons (2A:42-10.10, 10.11). Does not apply to owner-occupied premises with no more than 2 rental units (2A:42-10.13).
Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 to 2A:42-10.13
New Mexico
Retaliation rule
An owner may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten a possession action because, within the previous six months, the resident complained to a code agency, organised, exercised rights (incl. written repair requests), made a fair-housing complaint, was in a lawsuit, testified or abated rent. Uniform increases applied to similar units are allowed. Violations: liable for two times the monthly rent and it is a defense to eviction.
Source: NMSA 47-8-39, 47-8-48(C)
New York
Retaliation rule
Retaliation for good-faith complaints is prohibited; rebuttable presumption of retaliation for actions within 1 year of the complaint.
Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b
North Carolina
Retaliation rule
Retaliatory eviction is a defense when it follows a good-faith complaint or exercise of rights within 12 months.
Source: N.C.G.S. § 42-37.1
North Dakota
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Source: N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16 (no general retaliation provision found). § 47-16-17.1(10) bars refusing to rent, or otherwise retaliating, solely because a tenant exercised the right to terminate a lease as a domestic violence victim.
Ohio
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict because a tenant complained to authorities or the landlord or joined a tenant union.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02
Oklahoma
Retaliation rule
No general retaliation statute found in 41 O.S. §§ 101-136. The only anti-retaliation text found is § 113.3: a landlord may not deny, refuse to renew or terminate a tenancy because the applicant, tenant or household member is a victim or alleged victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, and may not deny a tenancy or retaliate against a tenant who previously terminated a rental agreement for that reason.
Source: 41 O.S. § 113.3 (no general retaliation provision found)
Oregon
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, serve a termination notice or threaten eviction because a tenant complained in good faith to the landlord or to a government agency (housing/health code, discrimination), joined or organized a tenants' union, testified against the landlord, won an eviction case in the last 6 months, or asserted any legal tenant right; retaliation is a defense to eviction.
Source: ORS 90.385
Pennsylvania
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Rhode Island
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a housing-code enforcement agency about a violation materially affecting health and safety, complained to the landlord of a violation of the landlord's maintenance duties (34-18-22), organized or joined a tenants' union, or used any other lawful right or remedy. Evidence of a complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a presumption of retaliation, which does not arise if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or loss of services. The landlord may still seek possession if the violation was caused primarily by the tenant's lack of reasonable care, the tenant is in default in rent, or code compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit and relocation requirements are met.
Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46(a)-(c)
South Carolina
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or sue for possession because the tenant complained to a code agency or to the landlord about a violation of the Act. Liability up to 3 months' rent or treble actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees. Tenant must give written notice of the defense within 10 days after service of the Rule to Vacate.
Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-910
South Dakota
Retaliation rule
A tenant of residential property has a cause of action if the landlord increases rent above fair market value, decreases electric, gas, water or sewer service, or gives notice to vacate not based on a lease breach, after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to a governmental agency about a housing or building code violation materially affecting health and safety and the landlord received written notice of it, (2) gave the landlord written notice of a repair condition under § 43-32-9, or (3) organized or joined a tenants' union. It is a defense that the notice to vacate came more than 180 days after that event; not renewing a written lease at expiration is not retaliation. The tenant gets the remedies in § 43-32-6 and the court may award reasonable attorney's fees.
Source: SDCL §§ 43-32-27, 43-32-28
Tennessee
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent, cutting services or bringing/threatening a possession action because the tenant complained to the landlord of a violation (the statute cross-references § 66-28-301) or used remedies under the Act (exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, tenant in rent default, code compliance that requires alteration, remodeling or demolition).
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-514
Texas
Retaliation rule
No retaliation for 6 months after a tenant in good faith requests repairs or exercises legal rights.
Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331
Utah
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Vermont
Retaliation rule
A landlord may not retaliate, by establishing or changing rental terms or by bringing or threatening an action, against a tenant who complained to a government agency about a health or safety violation of building, housing or health regulations, complained to the landlord of a violation of chapter 137, or organized or joined a tenants' union (§ 4465(a)). A tenant can recover damages and attorney's fees, and may raise it as a defense to an action for possession (§ 4465(b)). If the landlord serves a termination notice on any ground other than nonpayment of rent within 90 days after a municipal or state notice that the premises violate health or safety rules, there is a rebuttable presumption the termination is retaliatory (§ 4465(c)).
Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)-(c)
Virginia
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or threaten/bring an eviction or termination because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained or sued under the Act, joined a tenants' organization, or testified against the landlord. Tenant may recover actual damages and raise retaliation as a defense. (Expanded version effective January 1, 2027.)
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1258
Washington
Retaliation rule
Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, reduced services, added obligations) for good-faith complaints to authorities or asserting rights; action within 90 days is presumed retaliatory (rebuttable), except when the tenant is behind on rent or in breach.
Source: RCW 59.18.240, 59.18.250
West Virginia
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Wisconsin
Retaliation rule
A residential landlord may not raise rent, cut services, start an action for possession, refuse to renew a lease, or threaten any of these if the tenant shows by a preponderance of the evidence the action would not occur but for retaliation for: a good-faith complaint about a premises defect to an elected official or local housing code agency; complaining to the landlord about a violation of s. 704.07 or the housing code; or exercising a legal right relating to residential tenancies. The landlord may still sue for possession for unpaid rent (other than a prohibited rent increase), and the section does not cover defects caused by the tenant's negligence or improper use (704.45). The rules also bar terminating a tenancy, refusing renewal or constructively evicting a tenant in retaliation for reporting a code or ATCP 134 violation, joining a tenant union, or asserting rights under state or local law (ATCP 134.09(5)). No fixed look-back presumption period.
Source: Wis. Stat. 704.45; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(5)
Wyoming
Retaliation rule
Not verified yet
Source: W.S. 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 (no retaliation provision found; the Wyoming Safe Homes Act, § 1-21-1303(c), bars terminating a tenancy based solely on victim status)

State	Retaliation rule	Source
Alabama	A landlord may not retaliate by discriminatorily increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a code-enforcement agency, complained to the landlord of a 35-9A-204 violation, or joined a tenant organization. Tenant gets the 35-9A-407 remedies (up to 3 months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney's fees) and a defense to possession. Exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, rent default, code compliance requiring alteration/demolition, other material lease violations (35-9A-501(c)). No time-based presumption.	Ala. Code 35-9A-501, 35-9A-407
Alaska	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complained to the landlord of a habitability violation (§ 34.03.100), sought to enforce rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a governmental agency about housing, wage, price or rent controls. The tenant has the remedies in § 34.03.210 (recover possession or terminate, plus up to 1.5 times actual damages) and a defense to an eviction action. Exceptions: the landlord may still seek possession for unpaid rent, code-required work, waste or nuisance or illegal use, or in good faith for personal use, remodeling or demolition, or conversion out of residential use, and may raise rent for substantial tax or operating-cost increases, a capital improvement, or to match market rent (§ 34.03.310(c), (d)).	AS 34.03.310
Arizona	Landlord may not retaliate (raise rent, cut services, or bring/threaten eviction) because a tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the act creates a presumption of retaliation.	A.R.S. § 33-1381
Arkansas	Not verified yet	—
California	Landlord may not retaliate (rent increase, reduced services, eviction) within 180 days after the tenant exercises legal rights such as complaining about habitability.	Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5
Colorado	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, end the lease, threaten eviction or otherwise intimidate a tenant for a good-faith habitability or health/safety complaint, or for joining or organizing a tenants' association; the tenant may end the lease and recover the greater of 3 months' rent or 3x actual damages, plus attorney fees, and can raise retaliation as a defense to eviction.	C.R.S. § 38-12-509
Connecticut	A landlord may not bring a possession action, demand a rent increase or decrease services within six months after the tenant in good faith tried to fix a code violation by any lawful means (including complaining to officials or a fair rent commission), a municipal agency filed a notice, complaint or order, the tenant asked for repairs, started an action under 47a-14h, or organized or joined a tenants' union. Exceptions: nonpayment or lease violation, landlord needs the unit for own home in good faith, condition caused by the tenant or their guest, a notice to end a periodic tenancy given before the complaint; and a rent increase is allowed if the tenant caused the condition or the landlord's taxes or operating costs substantially rose (47a-20a).	Conn. Gen. Stat. 47a-20, 47a-20a
Delaware	A landlord may not seek possession, raise rent or cut services because the tenant made a good-faith code complaint, a government authority filed a violation notice, the tenant organized or is an officer of a tenant organization, or the tenant pursued a legal right. Such action within 90 days of the complaint or act is presumed retaliatory.	Del. Code tit. 25, § 5516
District of Columbia	Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, cut in services, refusal to renew, harassment) against a tenant who exercises legal rights. Retaliation is presumed if, within the prior 6 months, the tenant asked for code repairs, complained to D.C. officials, joined a tenant organization, or sued the landlord; the landlord must rebut by clear and convincing evidence.	D.C. Code § 42-3505.02
Florida	Landlord may not retaliate against good-faith complaints or tenant organizing.	Fla. Stat. § 83.64
Georgia	Retaliation for good-faith repair requests or complaints to authorities is prohibited.	O.C.G.A. § 44-7-24
Hawaii	While the tenant keeps tendering the usual rent, the landlord may not bring an action for possession, force the tenant out, demand a rent increase, or decrease services after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, consumer protection office or other agency about a health-law or ch. 521 violation, (2) an agency filed a complaint or notice of violation, or (3) the tenant in good faith requested repairs under 521-63 or 521-64 (HRS 521-74(a)). Exceptions include waste, nuisance or illegal use; good-faith recovery for the landlord's or immediate family's own abode, or to alter, remodel or demolish; conditions caused by the tenant; a health department certification of compliance; a good-faith contract of sale; and a periodic-tenancy termination notice given before the complaint (521-74(b)). Rent may still be raised for property tax or operating cost increases, capital improvements, comparable market rent, or after a compliance certification (521-74(d)). The tenant may recover damages and costs including attorney's fees (521-74(c)). No time-based presumption found.	HRS 521-74
Idaho	Not verified yet	—
Illinois	Retaliation against tenants who complain to authorities or exercise legal rights is prohibited.	765 ILCS 720
Indiana	A landlord may not raise rent, cut or interfere with services, or bring or threaten an eviction or possession action in response to protected activity: complaining to a code-enforcement agency about a health or safety violation, written complaint to the landlord about a violation of the entry or habitability duties, suing the landlord under ch. 6 or 8, joining a tenant organisation, or testifying against the landlord. Exceptions include not renewing at term end, raising rent to comparable market rent, equal service cuts, unpaid rent not cured, tenant-caused violations, and good-faith owner use or demolition. No time-based presumption.	IC 32-31-8.5-2, 8.5-4, 8.5-5
Iowa	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith complaint within the prior year creates a presumption of retaliation. The tenant can recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.	Iowa Code § 562A.36
Kansas	Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent or cutting services because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A good-faith increase to cover higher costs (taxes, utility rates) is allowed if the lease permits it.	K.S.A. 58-2572
Kentucky	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue/threaten eviction because the tenant complained to a code agency or the landlord, or joined a tenants' union; a complaint within 1 year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation (URLTA areas).	KRS 383.705
Louisiana	Not verified yet	—
Maine	An eviction action is presumed retaliatory if, within the 6 months before it was filed, the tenant asserted rights under the rent-increase, habitability or fee statutes, made a good-faith code complaint to an enforcement body, or made a good-faith written repair request to the landlord.	14 M.R.S. § 6001(3)
Maryland	Landlord may not sue or threaten to sue for possession, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services or end a periodic tenancy because of a good-faith complaint (to the landlord or a public agency), a lawsuit, tenant-organization activity, or someone summoning police/emergency services; damages up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees. Protection requires the tenant to be current on rent (unless lawfully withholding) and covers actions within 6 months of the complaint/lawsuit.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Massachusetts	A landlord may not threaten or take reprisals against a tenant for reporting a code violation to the board of health or other enforcement body, complaining in writing to the landlord, suing or seeking relief under a housing law, or organizing or joining a tenants' union. The landlord is liable for actual damages or one to three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees. A notice terminating the tenancy (other than for non-payment of rent), a rent increase or a substantial change in lease terms within 6 months after the tenant's protected activity is presumed to be a reprisal, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence of an independent justification. Retaliation is also a defense to eviction (c. 239 § 2A, same 6-month presumption). Any lease waiver is void.	M.G.L. c. 186, § 18; c. 239, § 2A
Michigan	A court may not enter a judgment for possession if the termination was intended primarily as a penalty for the tenant's attempt to secure or enforce rights under the lease or law, for a complaint to a government authority about health or safety code violations, or as retribution for a lawful act arising out of the tenancy, including tenant organization membership. If the tenant shows they took official action (through a court or government agency) within 90 days before the eviction case began and it was not dismissed or denied, a presumption of retaliation arises that the landlord must rebut by a preponderance of the evidence. If the action was more than 90 days earlier or ended against the tenant, the presumption is against the tenant (600.5720(2)). The statute is framed as a defense to a possession judgment, not a general ban on retaliation.	MCL 600.5720(1), (2)
Minnesota	A landlord may not evict, increase obligations or decrease services as a penalty for a tenant's good-faith complaint or for enforcing lease or legal rights. If the action comes within 90 days of the complaint/act, the landlord bears the burden of proving it was not retaliatory.	Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.441, 504B.285, subds. 2-3
Mississippi	No general anti-retaliation section found in the Act. The only retaliation text is in 89-8-17(2): the landlord may demand a rent increase after a rental agreement expires only if the landlord's actions did not have the dominant purpose of retaliation against the tenant for actions authorized under the Act and the landlord received written notice of each condition that was the subject of the tenant's actions. The Act also imposes a general duty of good faith on the landlord's termination, nonrenewal and removal of a tenant (89-8-9).	89-8-17(2), 89-8-9
Missouri	Not verified yet	—
Montana	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant (a) complained of a health-and-safety code violation to a government agency, (b) complained in writing to the landlord of a violation of § 70-24-303 (habitability), or (c) organized or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation (not if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or reduced services). The tenant gets the remedies of § 70-24-411 and a defense to a possession action. The landlord may still seek possession if the tenant caused the violation, is in default in rent, or compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit.	MCA § 70-24-431
Nebraska	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession after the tenant complains to a government agency about a code violation materially affecting health and safety, or organizes or joins a tenants' union. Exceptions: violation caused by the tenant, tenant in rent default, or compliance requiring alteration or demolition that would deprive the tenant of the unit. No time-based presumption.	Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1439
Nevada	Landlord may not retaliate (end or refuse to renew tenancy, raise rent, cut services, or threaten eviction) because a tenant made a good-faith code complaint, organized a tenants' group, or used habitability remedies.	NRS 118A.510
New Hampshire	Except where the tenant owes one week's rent or more, it is a defence to a possessory action on residential property that the action was in retaliation for the tenant (I) reporting a violation (or what he reasonably and in good faith believes is a violation) of RSA 540-A or an unreasonable and substantial violation of a regulation/housing code to the landlord or an inspecting authority, (II) initiating a good-faith action under RSA 540-A or using the procedure of 540:13-d, or (III) meeting with other tenants for any lawful purpose (RSA 540:13-a). No time-based presumption.	RSA 540:13-a
New Jersey	A landlord may not serve a notice to quit, sue for possession, or substantially change the tenancy (including refusing to renew without cause) as reprisal for the tenant trying to enforce rights under the lease or law, making a good-faith complaint to a government authority (after first telling the landlord and allowing reasonable time to fix it), or being involved in any lawful organization (2A:42-10.10). A notice to quit or substantial change without cause after such an act creates a rebuttable presumption of reprisal; no fixed time window applies (2A:42-10.12). The tenant can sue for damages and injunctive relief and wins any eviction case brought for these reasons (2A:42-10.10, 10.11). Does not apply to owner-occupied premises with no more than 2 rental units (2A:42-10.13).	N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 to 2A:42-10.13
New Mexico	An owner may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten a possession action because, within the previous six months, the resident complained to a code agency, organised, exercised rights (incl. written repair requests), made a fair-housing complaint, was in a lawsuit, testified or abated rent. Uniform increases applied to similar units are allowed. Violations: liable for two times the monthly rent and it is a defense to eviction.	NMSA 47-8-39, 47-8-48(C)
New York	Retaliation for good-faith complaints is prohibited; rebuttable presumption of retaliation for actions within 1 year of the complaint.	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b
North Carolina	Retaliatory eviction is a defense when it follows a good-faith complaint or exercise of rights within 12 months.	N.C.G.S. § 42-37.1
North Dakota	Not verified yet	N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16 (no general retaliation provision found). § 47-16-17.1(10) bars refusing to rent, or otherwise retaliating, solely because a tenant exercised the right to terminate a lease as a domestic violence victim.
Ohio	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict because a tenant complained to authorities or the landlord or joined a tenant union.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02
Oklahoma	No general retaliation statute found in 41 O.S. §§ 101-136. The only anti-retaliation text found is § 113.3: a landlord may not deny, refuse to renew or terminate a tenancy because the applicant, tenant or household member is a victim or alleged victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, and may not deny a tenancy or retaliate against a tenant who previously terminated a rental agreement for that reason.	41 O.S. § 113.3 (no general retaliation provision found)
Oregon	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, serve a termination notice or threaten eviction because a tenant complained in good faith to the landlord or to a government agency (housing/health code, discrimination), joined or organized a tenants' union, testified against the landlord, won an eviction case in the last 6 months, or asserted any legal tenant right; retaliation is a defense to eviction.	ORS 90.385
Pennsylvania	Not verified yet	—
Rhode Island	A landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening an action for possession because the tenant complained to a housing-code enforcement agency about a violation materially affecting health and safety, complained to the landlord of a violation of the landlord's maintenance duties (34-18-22), organized or joined a tenants' union, or used any other lawful right or remedy. Evidence of a complaint within 6 months before the alleged retaliation creates a presumption of retaliation, which does not arise if the tenant complained after notice of a proposed rent increase or loss of services. The landlord may still seek possession if the violation was caused primarily by the tenant's lack of reasonable care, the tenant is in default in rent, or code compliance requires work that would deprive the tenant of the unit and relocation requirements are met.	R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46(a)-(c)
South Carolina	Landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or sue for possession because the tenant complained to a code agency or to the landlord about a violation of the Act. Liability up to 3 months' rent or treble actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees. Tenant must give written notice of the defense within 10 days after service of the Rule to Vacate.	S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-910
South Dakota	A tenant of residential property has a cause of action if the landlord increases rent above fair market value, decreases electric, gas, water or sewer service, or gives notice to vacate not based on a lease breach, after the tenant (1) complained in good faith to a governmental agency about a housing or building code violation materially affecting health and safety and the landlord received written notice of it, (2) gave the landlord written notice of a repair condition under § 43-32-9, or (3) organized or joined a tenants' union. It is a defense that the notice to vacate came more than 180 days after that event; not renewing a written lease at expiration is not retaliation. The tenant gets the remedies in § 43-32-6 and the court may award reasonable attorney's fees.	SDCL §§ 43-32-27, 43-32-28
Tennessee	Landlord may not retaliate by raising rent, cutting services or bringing/threatening a possession action because the tenant complained to the landlord of a violation (the statute cross-references § 66-28-301) or used remedies under the Act (exceptions: tenant-caused code violation, tenant in rent default, code compliance that requires alteration, remodeling or demolition).	Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-514
Texas	No retaliation for 6 months after a tenant in good faith requests repairs or exercises legal rights.	Tex. Prop. Code § 92.331
Utah	Not verified yet	—
Vermont	A landlord may not retaliate, by establishing or changing rental terms or by bringing or threatening an action, against a tenant who complained to a government agency about a health or safety violation of building, housing or health regulations, complained to the landlord of a violation of chapter 137, or organized or joined a tenants' union (§ 4465(a)). A tenant can recover damages and attorney's fees, and may raise it as a defense to an action for possession (§ 4465(b)). If the landlord serves a termination notice on any ground other than nonpayment of rent within 90 days after a municipal or state notice that the premises violate health or safety rules, there is a rebuttable presumption the termination is retaliatory (§ 4465(c)).	9 V.S.A. § 4465(a)-(c)
Virginia	Landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or threaten/bring an eviction or termination because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained or sued under the Act, joined a tenants' organization, or testified against the landlord. Tenant may recover actual damages and raise retaliation as a defense. (Expanded version effective January 1, 2027.)	Va. Code § 55.1-1258
Washington	Landlord may not retaliate (eviction, rent increase, reduced services, added obligations) for good-faith complaints to authorities or asserting rights; action within 90 days is presumed retaliatory (rebuttable), except when the tenant is behind on rent or in breach.	RCW 59.18.240, 59.18.250
West Virginia	Not verified yet	—
Wisconsin	A residential landlord may not raise rent, cut services, start an action for possession, refuse to renew a lease, or threaten any of these if the tenant shows by a preponderance of the evidence the action would not occur but for retaliation for: a good-faith complaint about a premises defect to an elected official or local housing code agency; complaining to the landlord about a violation of s. 704.07 or the housing code; or exercising a legal right relating to residential tenancies. The landlord may still sue for possession for unpaid rent (other than a prohibited rent increase), and the section does not cover defects caused by the tenant's negligence or improper use (704.45). The rules also bar terminating a tenancy, refusing renewal or constructively evicting a tenant in retaliation for reporting a code or ATCP 134 violation, joining a tenant union, or asserting rights under state or local law (ATCP 134.09(5)). No fixed look-back presumption period.	Wis. Stat. 704.45; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(5)
Wyoming	Not verified yet	W.S. 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211 (no retaliation provision found; the Wyoming Safe Homes Act, § 1-21-1303(c), bars terminating a tenancy based solely on victim status)

Cities and counties can add stricter rules (e.g. Chicago, New York City). Full rules for each state: state tenant laws.

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