Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
The roofer says the leak is “normal settling” three months after replacement. What can I do?
In Pennsylvania, a roof leak that appears a few months after a replacement may be frustrating, but the right response usually depends on what the contract promised, what the roof was supposed to do, and what evidence exi...
Can my landlord evict me because I refused entry when they gave only 30 minutes’ notice?
In Virginia, a landlord usually cannot treat every refusal of entry as an automatic eviction event. In general, the answer depends on the lease, the reason for the visit, how much notice was given, and whether the landlo...
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment is unlivable due to a fire?
In Alabama, the answer usually depends on how badly the fire damaged the apartment and whether it is still legally or practically livable. If a fire makes the unit unsafe to occupy, tenants often wonder whether rent stop...
My Apartment Parking Space Was Given to Someone Else — Can I Reduce Rent?
If your apartment lease includes a parking space and the landlord gives that space to someone else, that may be a lease problem. In general, a parking space can be part of the rental agreement if it is listed in the leas...
What happens if my landlord taped the notice to the outside gate instead of my actual door?
In Colorado, the answer usually depends on what kind of notice was given, what the lease says, and whether the notice method was legally sufficient for that situation. A notice taped to an outside gate may or may not cou...
Can I Break My Lease If My Neighbor Keeps Threatening Me?
In general, maybe—but it depends on the facts, your lease, and what steps you take to document and report the problem. In Colorado, a tenant who is being threatened by a neighbor may have options beyond simply moving out...
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...
Do I have to pay an early termination fee if my apartment is unsafe because the front door lock has been broken for weeks?
In Mississippi, the answer usually depends on the lease terms, the seriousness of the safety problem, and what steps the tenant and landlord took after the problem was reported. A broken front door lock can be a signific...
Can I make a personal injury claim if I slipped on ice outside my office building?
In Missouri, a slip-and-fall on ice outside an office building may sometimes lead to a personal injury claim, but the answer usually depends on who controlled the area, whether anyone knew or should have known about the...
Can a Neighbor Be Liable for Water Runoff Flooding My Yard?
In Oklahoma, a neighbor may sometimes be liable if water runoff from their property is causing flooding in your yard, but the answer usually depends on the facts. The key issues are often where the water is coming from,...
What Can I Do If My Apartment Has Repeated Sewage Backups?
Repeated sewage backups in an apartment can be a serious habitability issue, especially if the problem affects health, safety, or the use of the home. In general, a landlord is usually expected to keep a rental unit in a...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Replacing Appliances That Were Already Old?
In general, a landlord may only charge a tenant for appliance replacement if the lease, rental agreement, or the law allows it and the tenant is responsible for the damage or loss. If an appliance was already old, worn o...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to return my deposit after 60 days?
In Florida, your rights after a landlord keeps your security deposit often depend on whether the landlord gave proper written notice and whether any lawful deductions were made. In general, a security deposit is not just...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Fix a Broken Refrigerator?
In Georgia, whether a landlord must fix a broken refrigerator often depends on the lease, the facts, and whether the refrigerator is part of the rental arrangement. In general, landlords are usually responsible for maint...