Screenwriter Daniel Pyne once rented an apartment to a tenant that he could not evict. The film was inspired by this scenario.
Some law professors have referenced and/or shown this movie in class to demonstrate tenant rights.
Christopher Reeve unsuccessfully lobbied John Schlesinger personally for the "Carter Hayes" role.
Beverly D'Angelo was uncredited in her role as Ann Miller, the girlfriend of Carter Hayes (Michael Keaton).
Orkin paid $20,000 for the scene in which an Orkin rep is hired to exterminate cockroaches bred by Carter Hayes. However, the company was upset with its portrayal in the film and sued the producers for unspecified damages. The result of the lawsuit was not made public, suggesting that there was an out-of-court settlement.