Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Do I have to prove the exact time a spill appeared before I slipped?
In general, no. In a Rhode Island slip-and-fall claim, people usually do not have to prove the exact minute a spill appeared before the fall. What often matters more is whether the property owner or occupier knew, or rea...
Is it legal for my landlord to shut off water after giving me an eviction notice?
In Nevada, a landlord generally cannot use a utility shutoff, including water, as a self-help way to force a tenant out after giving an eviction notice. An eviction notice is only the start of the legal process. By itsel...
How do I handle harassment from a former dating partner if there was no domestic relationship?
If a former dating partner is harassing you, the fact that there was no domestic relationship does not necessarily mean you have no legal options. In Washington, the available options often depend on what the person is d...
Can I fight an eviction notice if my landlord refused to accept partial rent?
In Virginia, you may be able to fight an eviction notice after a landlord refused partial rent, but it usually depends on the lease, the timing of the payment, the amount owed, and what notice the landlord gave. In gener...
Do I have to allow my landlord to enter for inspections every month?
In Washington, a landlord usually cannot enter a rental unit whenever they want. Even when a lease allows inspections, the landlord typically must follow the state’s notice and entry rules and have a lawful reason for en...
What happens if my landlord removes my access to laundry facilities mid-lease?
If a landlord removes your access to laundry facilities in the middle of a lease, the issue may be treated as a change in the services or amenities promised when you rented the unit. In general, what happens next depends...
Can a Landlord Make Me Pay for Pest Control if Roaches Were There Before I Moved In?
In Louisiana, a landlord usually cannot simply shift pest-control costs to a tenant without looking at the lease, the condition of the unit, and who is responsible for the infestation. If roaches were already present bef...
What are my rights if the harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor?
If harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor in Washington, you may have several legal protections depending on what the other person is doing and how serious the conduct is. In general, people ha...
What are my rights if an online retailer refuses to refund a returned item worth $300?
If an online retailer refuses to refund a returned item, your rights usually depend on the retailer’s posted return policy, what was promised at checkout, the condition of the item, and whether the retailer actually rece...
I paid a plumber upfront and he ghosted after opening the wall. What’s the best next step?
If you paid a plumber upfront in Pennsylvania and the plumber stopped responding after opening the wall, the best next step is usually to document everything, try to preserve your evidence, and send a clear written deman...
What are my rights if my insurance company delays my storm damage claim for two months?
If your insurance company has delayed a storm damage claim for two months, you generally have the right to expect the insurer to handle the claim in a reasonable and good-faith manner. In Alabama, as in many states, the...
How do I handle a landlord who is charging me for water bills from before I moved in?
If a landlord is trying to make you pay water bills from before you moved in, the first question is whether your lease clearly says you are responsible for those charges. In general, a landlord usually cannot shift earli...
Can I be evicted for running a small online business from my apartment?
In Missouri, the answer is often: it depends on your lease, your landlord’s rules, and what your business actually involves. Many tenants run low-impact online businesses from home without causing problems, but a landlor...
What are my rights if a car wash damaged my side mirror and the sign says they are not responsible?
If a car wash damaged your side mirror in Montana, a sign saying the business is “not responsible” does not always end the issue. In general, a business cannot always avoid responsibility just by posting a notice, especi...
Can I record a private phone call with my landlord in California if I am part of the conversation?
In California, the answer is often no unless the other person agrees. California is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means that recording a private phone call usually requires the consent of everyone...