Lead-based paint and other lead-containing materials (including mini-blinds) also have received considerable attention in recent years. The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazards Reduction Act, passed in 1992, requires landlords and sellers of pre-1978 properties to disclose presence of lead-based paint or other lead-based materials to prospective buyers or tenants.

The subject of numerous articles in recent years, carbon monoxide is one of most serious and most common air pollutants present in multifamily housing. Fireplaces, gas or oil stoves, or gas or kerosene space heaters are all common emitters of carbon monoxide. The good news is that you can protect yourself by purchasing a carbon monoxide detector. You can't always assume that your landlord has purchased one because these detectors are somewhat expensive. By all means, ask. Chances are good that you're going to have to take matters into your own hands and purchase one yourself. It won't hurt to ask if purchase can be deducted from this month's rent, but don't count on it.

Turning to subject of pest control, before you sign a lease, ask your landlord how often property is sprayed to prevent infestation. Can you get his or her response in writing? Ground-floor residents are particularly prone to pesky visitors, including cockroaches, fleas, ants and rodents. If you spot any of these creatures even occasionally, call your landlord and report problem immediately. Rodents, of course, are transmitters of disease, but roaches' bodies and their droppings actually contain substances which contribute to poor air quality and even respiratory problems -- most notably, asthma.

If your prospective landlord doesn't volunteer information about environmental quality of building to which you're considering a move, ask. Odds are, of course, that you're going to hear a glowing report of building's environmental quality, and while you shouldn't be cynical, get it in writing. After all, you're making a financial investment with your signature on that lease. If landlord wants your patronage, he or she will comply without resistance. And if not, renters' market is a competitive one; you won't have to look far to find a landlord who won't blink at your request. Happy -- and healthy -- hunting.

(b) shut off any of your utilities, change locks on your apartment or threaten any of these acts in order to make you move out of your apartment.

(c) enter your apartment without consulting you or repeatedly demand to enter. In most leases there is a clause stating that landlord must give you reasonable notice before entering. Typically, leases will state that your landlord must give you at least twenty-four hours notice before entering. Also, if your landlord is constantly entering your apartment - whether he or she gives notice or not - you don't have to withstand it. You should consult your local tenant's union.

(d) refuse to rent a unit to you due to your race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin or sexual preference. If your landlord has done any of these things, you have been discriminated against and may be able to take case to court.

Regardless of whether or not you're behind on your rent, your landlord still has no right to do any of things mentioned in “must not” list. If your landlord does any of these things, you should consult an attorney. In some cases such as forced entry or theft, landlord should be reported to police as well.

*A-F are enforced by Implied Law of Habitability.