Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
How do I file a small claims case in Alabama over a contractor who took my $2,500 deposit?
In Alabama, a small claims case may be one way to ask a court to decide a dispute over a contractor deposit, including a claim involving $2,500. In general, small claims courts are designed for lower-dollar disputes and...
Can I use a secret recording in small claims court if it proves the repair shop lied?
In California, a secret recording may sometimes be used in small claims court if it is relevant and the court allows it. But the fact that a recording exists does not automatically mean it will be admissible or persuasiv...
What Are My Rights if My Lease Renewal Is Delayed Until the Last Day?
If your lease renewal is delayed until the last day, your rights in New York usually depend on the type of housing, the wording of your lease, any rent regulation rules, and how your landlord has handled the renewal proc...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a nonrefundable application fee and never run my application?
In general, a landlord should not charge an application fee as if the application will be reviewed and then simply keep the fee without doing the promised screening, but the answer can depend on the lease paperwork, the...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit within 30 days?
In Illinois, a landlord’s obligations about returning a security deposit can depend on the type of tenancy, the lease terms, the reason the deposit was withheld, and whether the landlord followed the proper notice requir...
What are my rights if I was injured in an elevator that dropped suddenly?
If you were injured in an elevator that dropped suddenly in Maryland, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries if someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident. In general, possible responsib...
Can my landlord increase my security deposit after I already moved in?
In Oregon, a landlord may be able to increase a security deposit after a tenant has moved in, but the answer usually depends on the lease, the type of tenancy, and any written notice requirements. In general, a landlord...
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...
Do I have to pay for a locksmith if the apartment key broke off in an old lock?
In Indiana, the answer usually depends on what caused the problem, who was responsible for the lock’s condition, and what your lease says. If the key broke because the lock was old, worn, or hard to use, the landlord may...
What are my rights if my child was hurt on broken playground equipment at an apartment complex?
If a child is hurt on broken playground equipment at an apartment complex in Tennessee, the situation may involve a premises liability claim. In general, property owners and managers have a duty to use reasonable care to...
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...
How do I dispute a credit report entry for an apartment debt I do not recognize?
If you see an apartment debt on your credit report and do not recognize it, the first step is usually to gather as much information as you can about the account and dispute it with the credit reporting company and, often...
Can my landlord require renters insurance halfway through the lease?
In Georgia, a landlord may be able to require renters insurance halfway through a lease, but the answer usually depends on the lease language, any amendments, and whether the landlord has the legal right to change the re...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Fix a Broken Refrigerator?
In general, a landlord may not be able to ignore a broken refrigerator if the appliance is part of the rental agreement or was provided with the unit, especially if the issue affects habitability or the tenant’s use of t...
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...