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Are leases, rental agreements and other housing documents of a legal nature enforceable in U.S. courts when they are in languages other than English?

April 26, 2017agreements Courts documents Enforceable HOUSING leases Legal Nature rental

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Are leases, rental agreements and other housing documents of a legal nature enforceable in U.S. courts when they are in languages other than English?

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Generally, the English language document prevails. The HUD translated documents may carry the disclaimer, “This document is a translation of a HUD-issued legal document. HUD provides this translation to you merely as a convenience to assist in your understanding of your rights and obligations. The English language version of this document is the official, legal, controlling document. This translated document is not an official document.” Where both the landlord and tenant contracts are in languages other than English, state contract law governs the leases and rental agreements. HUD does not interpret state contract law. Therefore, questions regarding the enforceability of housing documents of a legal nature that are in languages other than English should be referred to a lawyer well-versed in contract law of the appropriate state or locality. Neither EO 13166 nor HUD LEP Guidance grants an individual the right to proceed to court alleging violations of EO 13166 or HUD LEP Guidance. In