Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for damages caused by a previous tenant?
In New Hampshire, a landlord usually cannot keep a tenant’s security deposit for damage that was already there before the current tenant moved in, if the damage was not caused by the current tenant and is not the kind of...
What are my rights if a defective chair broke under me at a restaurant?
If a chair broke under you at a restaurant in Tennessee, you may have rights if the restaurant, a property owner, a manufacturer, or another responsible party was negligent or if a product defect contributed to the incid...
How do I handle an Alabama eviction notice if I already paid the rent with a money order?
If you already paid the rent with a money order and still received an eviction notice in Alabama, the first step is usually to stay calm and gather proof of payment. A money order can be useful evidence, but the key issu...
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...
Can I ask the court to order the harasser to stay 500 feet away from my home?
In Washington, you can usually ask a court for a protection order that includes a stay-away distance from your home, but the court does not automatically grant a specific 500-foot boundary in every case. Whether a judge...
Is it legal for a used car dealer to sell me a car with a bad transmission and say it was sold as-is?
In New York, a used car dealer may often sell a vehicle “as-is,” but that label does not automatically excuse every problem with the car. In general, an as-is sale means the dealer is trying to limit warranty obligations...
How do I recover money from a contractor who used substandard materials?
If a contractor used substandard materials, you may have several general options for trying to recover money, but the best path depends on the contract, the work performed, the damages, and Oklahoma law. In general, disp...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a pet fee for my certified service dog?
In general, a landlord in Michigan usually may not charge a pet fee, pet rent, or a pet deposit for a properly recognized service dog when the animal is needed because of a disability. Under fair housing rules, service a...
Can a Storage Unit Company Auction My Stuff Without Proper Notice?
In general, a storage unit company cannot simply auction a tenant’s belongings without following the notice steps required by law and by the rental agreement. In Ohio, the details usually depend on the contract terms, ho...
Do I have to pay for a hotel stay if they gave my reserved room away when I arrived at midnight?
In general, if you had a confirmed hotel reservation and the hotel gave your room away when you arrived, you may have grounds to dispute the charge or ask for a refund, but the answer depends on the facts and the reserva...
Can my landlord make me pay an extra $150 a month because my adult son moved in temporarily?
In Maryland, a landlord usually cannot raise your rent just because an adult family member visits or stays temporarily, but the answer often depends on the lease, the length of the stay, and whether the person is being t...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Renew My Lease Because I Complained About Repairs?
In general, a landlord may sometimes decide not to renew a lease when it ends. But if the nonrenewal is tied to your complaint about repairs, the landlord’s decision may raise legal concerns, depending on the facts and o...
What are my rights if someone keeps leaving notes on my windshield saying they are watching me?
If someone keeps leaving notes on your windshield saying they are watching you, that can be frightening and may be legally significant. In general, you may have rights related to unwanted contact, harassment, stalking, t...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a key replacement fee of $200?
In South Dakota, a landlord may sometimes charge a tenant for replacing a lost or unreturned key, but whether a $200 fee is legal usually depends on the lease, the actual cost of replacement, and whether the charge is tr...
How do I take a pet sitter to small claims court for negligence?
If a pet sitter’s carelessness caused harm to your pet, property, or related expenses, a small claims case in Wyoming may be one possible way to try to recover money damages. In general, small claims court is designed fo...