Idaho Tenant Rights
Idaho has minimal tenant protection statutes — the state preempts local rent control ordinances, has no just-cause eviction requirement, and lacks a comprehensive landlord-tenant act.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 30 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required:
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- No specific cure period in Idaho statutes for lease violations
- Non Payment Notice:
- 3 days written notice to pay or vacate
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- No statutory cap on security deposits
- Return Deadline:
- 21 days after tenant vacates (30 days if lease specifies)
- Interest Required:
- No
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Landlord liable for three times the wrongfully withheld amount
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not codified in Idaho statutes
- Rent Withholding:
- Not permitted under Idaho law
- Habitability Standard:
- Clean and habitable condition; compliance with applicable housing codes
- Remedies Available:
- Tenant may sue landlord for breach of contract; constructive eviction may be asserted in severe cases
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- No specific anti-harassment statute; narrow retaliation defense available
- Penalties:
- Retaliation may be raised as a defense; actual damages may be recoverable
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — narrow anti-retaliation protection applies in eviction proceedings
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Reasonable notice required (no specific hours defined in Idaho statutes)
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Common Law Standard:
- 24 hours is generally considered reasonable notice
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
Legal Aid Resources
Volunteer Lawyers Program (Idaho State Bar)
Statewide Idaho
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.