What tenants should document
- Lease contract or written agreement
- Receipts, bank transfers, GCash/Maya confirmations, or payment logs
- Photos or videos of repairs, damage, water leaks, electrical issues, or unsafe conditions
- Text messages, letters, emails, and notices from the landlord
- Move-in and move-out condition records
Common tenant issues
Deposit return
Ask for an itemized explanation of deductions. Keep proof that you returned the unit and keys, and document the condition of the property.
Eviction threats
Landlords generally should not use harassment, lock changes, or utility cutoffs to force a tenant out — eviction is generally supposed to go through the courts (or barangay conciliation first, where applicable) rather than being carried out unilaterally by the landlord. Republic Act No. 9653 (the Rent Control Act), when it applies to a unit, has historically listed specific grounds needed before a court can order eviction, including nonpayment of rent for three months, subleasing without the landlord's written consent where the lease prohibits it, the owner's legitimate need to repossess the unit for personal or immediate family use, and the need for major repairs that require the unit to be vacated. Rent control coverage (which units qualify, and whether the law's extension is currently in effect) has changed over time, so confirm current applicability with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) or a lawyer rather than assuming it automatically covers your situation.
Deposits and advance rent
For units covered by the Rent Control Act, advance rent has historically been capped at one month and security deposit at two months of the monthly rent, with the deposit meant to answer for unpaid bills or damage beyond normal wear and tear rather than being an extra fee. As with eviction rules, whether this cap currently applies to your unit depends on rent control's coverage and extension status at the time you're reading this, so check with DHSUD if the amount your landlord is asking for seems unusually high.
Rent increases
Check your lease and whether the property is covered by rent control rules, which have historically limited how much and how often rent can be increased for covered units. Local facts and the current law matter, so confirm the current caps with DHSUD rather than relying on an old figure.
Where to ask for help
Some disputes can start at the barangay, especially between residents of the same city or municipality. For court cases, consult a lawyer or PAO.
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