Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
What happens if my landlord shuts off my electricity because I complained about repairs?
If a landlord shuts off your electricity because you complained about repairs, that may be considered a serious housing rights issue in New Mexico. In general, a landlord is not supposed to use utility shutoffs as a way...
Can I cancel a timeshare contract within 10 days if I signed it while on vacation?
In general, maybe—but it depends on the contract terms and the law that applies to your purchase. A timeshare agreement signed while on vacation is often a high-pressure transaction, and many timeshare purchases include...
Can my landlord deduct $600 for nail holes and normal wear after I lived there five years?
In Wisconsin, a landlord usually cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear, and that often includes minor damage that happens from normal living over time. Nail holes from hanging pictures or everyday use may som...
A contractor poured the patio in the wrong size and wants full payment anyway. Do I have to pay?
In general, if a contractor did work that does not match the agreed size or specifications, you may have a basis to dispute full payment. Under basic contract principles, a homeowner usually pays for work that was agreed...
Landlord says the cracked window is my fault because I “must have slammed it.” How do I fight the charge?
In Ohio, a landlord usually cannot simply assume you caused a cracked window just because the damage was discovered while you were living there. In general, the landlord must have some factual basis for blaming you, and...
Can I file for harassment if the person only threatened me once but the threat was serious?
In Washington, a single serious threat may sometimes be enough to support a harassment filing, depending on the exact words used, the surrounding facts, and whether the threat would reasonably make a person fearful for s...
Is it legal for my spouse to remove jewelry and collectibles from the home before appraisal?
In Arkansas, the answer usually depends on what the items are, who owns them, and whether a divorce or separation is already underway. If the jewelry or collectibles are marital property, a spouse generally may not treat...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a fee for receiving packages?
In Nevada, a landlord may be able to charge a fee for receiving packages if the fee is allowed by the lease or rental agreement and is not otherwise prohibited by law. In general, the key question is whether the landlord...
What are my rights if a hidden camera recorded me changing clothes at a gym?
If a hidden camera recorded you changing clothes at a gym in Illinois, you may have serious privacy concerns and possibly several legal options, depending on the facts. In general, recording someone in a changing area is...
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...
What happens if the landlord’s eviction notice asks for more rent than I actually owe?
In Louisiana, if an eviction notice or other demand to pay rent says you owe more than you actually owe, that may matter a lot. In general, a landlord must give a tenant notice that is accurate enough to support the evic...
My Neighbor’s Guests Keep Parking on My Lawn — Can I Tow Them?
In Illinois, you generally cannot just tow a vehicle yourself because it is parked on your lawn. Towing another person’s car usually involves private-property rules, local ordinances, notice requirements, and a towing co...
Can I Break My Lease in Oklahoma Due to Unsafe Structural Conditions in My Apartment?
In Oklahoma, a tenant may sometimes be able to end a lease early if the apartment has serious unsafe structural conditions, but the answer depends heavily on the facts and on what the lease says. Not every repair problem...