Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can a Repair Shop Charge Storage Fees During a Billing Dispute?
In Indiana, a repair shop may sometimes try to charge storage fees while a billing dispute is ongoing, but whether those charges are allowed usually depends on the repair contract, any posted policies, the timing of the...
Can I sue a landlord if my child got lead poisoning from peeling paint in the apartment?
In general, a tenant may be able to bring a claim against a landlord if a child was harmed by lead paint in an apartment, but the answer depends heavily on the facts, the lease, the condition of the property, notice to t...
Is it legal for the insurance company to total my car even though I want it repaired?
In general, yes. In Florida, an insurance company may be allowed to declare a vehicle a total loss even if you would prefer to have it repaired, depending on the policy, the damage, the car’s value, and the insurer’s est...
What are my rights if a neighbor used a device to listen to my conversation inside my apartment?
If a neighbor used a device to listen to a private conversation inside your apartment, you may have legal rights under California law. In general, people have a strong expectation of privacy in their homes, and secretly...
Do I have to pay rent if construction blocks access to my apartment?
If construction blocks access to your apartment, the rent question often depends on how serious the obstruction is, how long it lasts, and what it does to your use of the unit. In general, a tenant is still expected to p...
Is it legal for a mechanic to begin crash repairs before I approve the final estimate?
In general, a mechanic or auto body shop should not begin significant crash repairs without some form of customer authorization, but the exact rule can depend on the paperwork you signed, the shop’s policies, the insurer...
Can I Get Out of a Car Purchase After Finding Out the Odometer Was Rolled Back?
If you bought a car in Hawaii and later learned the odometer may have been rolled back, you may have several possible legal and practical options, but the right remedy depends on the facts. In general, odometer tampering...
Can a landlord deny me housing because of my credit score alone?
In general, a landlord may consider your credit score when screening rental applicants, but the answer depends on the facts and on whether any fair housing or consumer credit rules apply. A credit score by itself is not...
What are my rights if my landlord recorded our maintenance dispute and posted part of it online?
In Illinois, your rights may depend on what was recorded, how the recording was made, and what the landlord posted online. In general, a landlord is not automatically allowed to record private conversations or publish th...
Is it legal for an apartment complex to charge me $85 every month for valet trash I never agreed to?
In Arizona, whether an apartment complex may charge a monthly valet trash fee usually depends on the lease, any addenda, and whether the fee was clearly disclosed before you signed. In general, landlords and property man...
What happens if a repair shop charges storage fees without notifying me?
In Massachusetts, a repair shop that charges storage fees without telling you first may face a dispute over whether those charges are valid or collectible. In general, a business that keeps your vehicle or other property...
Is it legal for a dealership to charge a document fee of $899?
In Colorado, a dealership may be able to charge a document fee, but whether an $899 fee is legally allowed depends on several factors, including how the fee is disclosed, what it is for, and whether the dealer is followi...
How do I dispute a $980 charge from a hotel that claimed I smoked in a non-smoking room?
If a hotel charged you $980 for allegedly smoking in a non-smoking room, the dispute usually turns on the hotel’s terms, the evidence it has, and whether the charge was authorized. In general, hotels may impose smoking f...
What are my rights if a hotel overcharges me for minibar items I did not use?
If a hotel in Hawaii charges you for minibar items you did not use, you may have the right to dispute the charge and ask the hotel to correct the bill. In general, hotels should bill guests accurately for items actually...
How do I get a refund from a travel booking site that charged me twice for the same hotel room?
If a travel booking site charged you twice for the same hotel room, the first step is usually to gather proof of both charges and contact the booking site right away. In many situations, duplicate charges are billing err...