Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
How do I handle equitable distribution when we own property in two states?
When spouses own property in two states, equitable distribution can become more complicated because the divorce court may need to identify, value, and divide assets that are located outside Vermont as well as assets loca...
How do I get my security deposit back when my landlord stopped responding after I moved out 45 days ago?
If you moved out in California and your landlord has stopped responding for 45 days, that usually raises a concern because landlords generally have to account for the security deposit within a relatively short time after...
I paid a plumber upfront and he ghosted after opening the wall. What’s the best next step?
If you paid a plumber upfront in Pennsylvania and the plumber stopped responding after opening the wall, the best next step is usually to document everything, try to preserve your evidence, and send a clear written deman...
What happens if a repair shop refuses to release my car until I pay for work I never approved?
In Massachusetts, a repair shop’s right to keep your car usually depends on the facts, the paperwork, and what kind of charges are being claimed. If you never approved the work, that may matter a lot, but it does not aut...
Is it legal for my landlord to serve an eviction notice after accepting rent for the month?
In Arizona, the answer often depends on what kind of rent was accepted, what the landlord knew at the time, and why the eviction notice was served. In general, a landlord’s acceptance of rent for a period can sometimes a...
Can a Repair Shop Sell My Car If I Do Not Pay the Invoice?
In Alaska, a repair shop may sometimes have a legal right to keep a vehicle until a repair bill is paid, and in some situations it may be able to pursue the vehicle through a lien or other collection process. Whether a s...
How do I dispute an auto repair bill when the shop replaced parts I never authorized?
If an auto repair shop in Florida replaced parts you never authorized, you may have a basis to dispute the bill, but the best response depends on what you approved, what the shop documented, and whether the parts were tr...
Is it legal for a landlord to serve an eviction notice on a holiday weekend in Arkansas?
In general, a landlord in Arkansas may be able to serve an eviction notice on a holiday weekend, but whether that notice is legally effective can depend on how service is done, what the lease says, and how Arkansas law 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...
What happens if a contractor overbilled me by $2,000 and won’t correct it?
If a contractor overbilled you by $2,000 and refuses to correct the bill, the main issue is usually whether you can show the charge was actually wrong and that you raised the problem clearly. In general, a billing disput...
What happens if I recorded a roommate admitting they stole money but did not ask for consent first?
In California, recording a conversation without asking for consent first can raise serious legal issues, even if the other person appears to confess to theft. California is generally a two-party consent state for confide...
Can my landlord charge me for replacing blinds that broke due to normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Missouri may be able to charge a tenant for damage that goes beyond ordinary use, but not for normal wear and tear. Whether broken blinds count as wear and tear or tenant-caused damage usually d...
Can I return a car if I find out it was previously used as a rental but not disclosed?
In Colorado, you may have options if a car was sold to you without disclosure of important information, including a prior rental history. But whether you can return the car depends on the facts, the paperwork, the seller...
Can a Neighbor Legally Trim Branches From My Tree?
In Massachusetts, a neighbor may usually trim branches or roots that cross onto their property, but only up to the property line and generally at their own expense. In other words, a neighbor typically does not have the...
How do I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog at an Airbnb?
If you were bitten by a dog at an Airbnb in Iowa, the claim process usually starts with reporting the injury, getting medical care, and identifying who may be responsible. In many situations, a claim may involve more tha...