Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can an HOA fine me for weeds in a backyard nobody can see?
In Arizona, an HOA may sometimes fine a homeowner for weeds in a backyard even if neighbors or the street cannot easily see the yard. Visibility is often relevant, but it is not always the only thing that matters. The an...
What are my rights if I was hurt by broken glass left in a hotel room?
If you were hurt by broken glass left in a hotel room in Oklahoma, you may have a possible premises-liability or negligence claim against the hotel or another responsible party, depending on the facts. In general, hotels...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge an application fee and deny me without explanation in Rhode Island?
In general, yes, a landlord in Rhode Island may be allowed to charge an application fee and may also be allowed to deny an application without giving a detailed explanation. That is often true in ordinary rental screenin...
Can my landlord make me pay for professional carpet cleaning if the lease only says “clean”?
In Minnesota, the answer usually depends on the exact lease language, the condition of the carpet when you move out, and any other written move-out rules or addenda that are part of the lease. If the lease only says you...
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 landlord to charge a nonrefundable move-in fee and a security deposit?
In Delaware, a landlord may be able to charge both a nonrefundable move-in fee and a security deposit, but whether that is allowed usually depends on the lease language and the applicable landlord-tenant rules. The key i...
Mechanic replaced parts I never approved and won’t release the car unless I pay. What now?
If a mechanic replaced parts you did not approve and is refusing to release your car until you pay, the situation may involve a dispute over authorization, repair charges, and possession of your vehicle. In Michigan, the...
Can I record a conversation with my landlord during a walkthrough if my phone is visible?
In Massachusetts, whether you can record a conversation with your landlord during a walkthrough usually depends on consent and the type of conversation involved. A visible phone by itself does not automatically make reco...
Is it legal for a nanny cam to record audio without telling the babysitter?
In Arizona, the answer can depend on the facts, especially where the camera is placed, whether the people being recorded expect privacy, and whether any state or federal wiretap or privacy law applies. A nanny cam that r...
Is it legal for a landlord to ban guests from staying overnight?
In general, a landlord may be able to limit or regulate overnight guests through the lease, house rules, or occupancy policies, but a complete ban is not always treated the same way in every situation. In North Dakota, t...
Do I have to pay for replacement value or repair cost in a Minnesota property damage case?
In Minnesota property damage cases, the amount at issue is often whether damages are measured by repair cost, replacement value, or another measure of loss. In general, the answer depends on the type of property, the ext...
Is it legal for a mechanic to charge $1,100 more than the estimate without calling me first?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes charge more than the original estimate, but that does not automatically mean any overage is allowed without notice. Whether the charge is lawful often depends on what the estimate sai...
A contractor demolished the wrong wall in my house. Do I call insurance or sue them?
If a contractor demolished the wrong wall in your Texas home, the next step is often to think about both insurance and a claim against the contractor, not just one or the other. In many situations, homeowners first notif...
Can a Landlord Evict Me for Complaining to Code Enforcement?
In general, a landlord in Texas may not legally punish a tenant for making a good-faith complaint about unsafe or unlawful property conditions, but the details matter a lot. A complaint to code enforcement can sometimes...
Is it legal for a store to delete security footage after I asked them to preserve it?
In general, a store may not be free to delete security footage once it has notice that the footage may be needed in a legal dispute. But the answer depends on the facts, the type of claim, and whether the store had a cle...