Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What are my rights if my spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce?
In Washington, what happens if a spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce usually depends on the divorce decree, settlement agreement, and how the home was awarded. In general, a divorce judgment can require o...
Can a Landlord Shut Off Water During Repairs Without Notice?
In Illinois, a landlord generally should not leave a tenant without essential water service any longer than necessary, even when repairs are being made. Whether a temporary shutoff is allowed usually depends on the facts...
Is it legal for my landlord to lock me out after giving an eviction notice?
In general, no. In Nevada, a landlord usually cannot simply change the locks, shut off utilities, remove your belongings, or otherwise force you out just because an eviction notice was given. An eviction notice is usuall...
Can I Cancel a Solar Panel Contract After the Installer Delays for Months?
In general, maybe — but it depends on the contract terms, the reason for the delay, and what has happened between you and the installer since the project was signed. In Arizona, a long delay by itself does not automatica...
What happens if my car was repossessed but the lender never sent me a notice before selling it?
If your car was repossessed and the lender sold it without giving notice, that may raise legal issues in West Virginia. In general, lenders and repossession companies must follow rules about notice and sale procedures af...
My Builder Installed the Wrong Materials — Can I Refuse Final Payment?
If a builder in Washington installed the wrong materials, you may have a reason to withhold some or all of the final payment, but the answer usually depends on the contract, the size of the defect, and what the builder i...
Do I have to repair my car after receiving an insurance payout, or can I keep the money?
In general, whether you have to repair your car after an insurance payout depends on what kind of claim you made, who owns the car, and what your insurance policy says. In Montana, there is not a simple one-size-fits-all...
What happens if my landlord changes lease terms without my consent?
In general, a landlord cannot simply change the terms of a signed lease on their own once the lease is in effect. A lease is usually a binding contract, so if one side wants to change a material term, the other side gene...
Is It Legal for a Store to Refuse Cash Payments?
In general, a store in Virginia may be able to refuse cash payments, but the answer often depends on the type of business, the store’s policies, and any laws that apply to the specific transaction. For many everyday reta...
Can I file a personal injury claim if I slipped on spilled soda at a grocery store and hurt my wrist?
In California, a grocery store slip-and-fall injury may sometimes lead to a personal injury claim if the store’s negligence played a role in the fall. A spilled soda by itself does not automatically mean the store is leg...
My Dentist Billed Me for Work I Never Approved — Can I Dispute It?
Yes, in general, you may be able to dispute a dental bill in Pennsylvania if you were charged for treatment you did not approve, did not receive, or did not understand would be performed. Whether a dispute succeeds often...
Do I have to pay HOA fees if they were never disclosed before I signed the lease?
In Maryland, the answer often depends on what the lease says, who agreed to pay the fee, and whether the HOA charge was part of the rental terms at all. In general, a tenant is usually responsible only for charges the le...
Do I have to get consent before recording a mediation session about a consumer dispute in California?
In California, the safest general answer is usually yes: you should assume you need clear consent before recording a mediation session, especially if the session is confidential or involves private dispute-resolution com...
Is it legal for a car dealer to run my credit through six lenders after I only approved one application?
In general, a car dealer may have some ability to submit your credit information to more than one lender if you signed paperwork that gave broad permission, if the dealership’s financing process was explained that way, o...
Do I Have to Pay HOA Fines If I Never Got the Violation Notice?
In general, whether you have to pay an HOA fine after not receiving the violation notice depends on the HOA’s governing documents, how notice was supposed to be delivered, and whether the association can show it followed...