Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What happens if I never received the eviction notice but my landlord says it was mailed?
In Wisconsin, the fact that you personally never received an eviction notice does not automatically end an eviction case. If a landlord says the notice was mailed, the key question is usually whether the landlord followe...
Is it legal for a storage unit company to auction my belongings after one missed payment?
In general, a storage unit company in Idaho cannot simply auction a renter’s belongings immediately after one missed payment. Storage companies usually have to follow the rental agreement and Idaho law, and that often in...
Can a Contractor Put a Lien on My House Over a Disputed Invoice?
In Michigan, a contractor may be able to place a lien on a house if the contractor claims unpaid money for labor, materials, or improvements to the property. A disputed invoice does not automatically prevent a lien. In g...
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
Can I record a conversation if the other person is threatening to sue me?
In California, the answer is often no unless you follow California’s recording-consent rules. California is generally treated as a two-party consent state, which means recording a confidential conversation usually requir...
Do I have to allow my landlord to enter for inspections every month?
In Washington, a landlord usually cannot enter a rental unit whenever they want. Even when a lease allows inspections, the landlord typically must follow the state’s notice and entry rules and have a lawful reason for en...
What happens if the person harassing me says their messages are just free speech?
In general, saying “it’s free speech” does not automatically make harassment lawful. Under U.S. law, people have strong speech protections, but those protections are not unlimited. Communications that cross into threats,...
Can Someone Inherit a House That Sits on Land Owned by Another Family Member?
Yes, in general, a person may inherit a house even if the land underneath it is owned by another family member, but the answer depends on how ownership is structured and what the property records say. In Massachusetts, a...
What are my rights if my landlord shuts off utilities to force me to move out?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord shuts off utilities to pressure you to leave, that is often a serious tenancy problem. In general, a landlord is not supposed to use self-help methods to force a tenant out, and t...
Husband Owns the Car and Controls Finances—What Rights Do I Have During Separation?
In Oregon, your rights during a separation usually depend on the overall financial picture, not just whose name is on the car title or who manages the bank accounts. If you are married and living separately, the law gene...
Is it legal for a used car dealer to sell me a car with a bad transmission and say it was sold as-is?
In New York, a used car dealer may often sell a vehicle “as-is,” but that label does not automatically excuse every problem with the car. In general, an as-is sale means the dealer is trying to limit warranty obligations...
Can I record my landlord threatening me if I am worried they will deny it later?
In California, the answer is often: maybe, but you need to be very careful. California is generally considered a two-party consent state for confidential communications, which means recording a conversation without permi...
What happens if a contractor used cheaper materials than what was listed in our written agreement?
If a contractor used cheaper materials than what your written agreement called for, the situation is often treated as a possible contract dispute, and sometimes also as a consumer-protection issue, depending on the facts...
My Contractor Used Unlicensed Workers — Can I Cancel the Contract?
In California, the answer often depends on the facts of the job, the contract terms, and what “unlicensed workers” means in your situation. In general, a contractor using workers who do not hold a required license does n...
What are my rights if the landlord accepted rent after the eviction notice deadline passed?
In general, if a landlord accepts rent after an eviction notice deadline has passed, that acceptance may affect the eviction process. In some situations, taking rent can be treated as waiving the default or as evidence t...