Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can my landlord charge me for replacing blinds that broke due to normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Missouri may be able to charge a tenant for damage that goes beyond ordinary use, but not for normal wear and tear. Whether broken blinds count as wear and tear or tenant-caused damage usually d...
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...
Do I have to split rental property purchased before marriage but paid from joint funds?
In Rhode Island, the answer is often: maybe, but not automatically. Property bought before marriage is commonly viewed differently from property acquired during marriage, but the way the property was paid for, maintained...
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...
Is it legal for a landlord to give me an eviction notice over unpaid utility charges?
In Kentucky, a landlord may be able to give an eviction notice over unpaid utility charges, but it usually depends on how the lease or rental agreement is written and on who is responsible for paying the utilities. If th...
Can I Get My Money Back If a Vacation Rental Was Nothing Like the Listing?
Yes, you may be able to get some or all of your money back if a vacation rental was materially different from the listing, but the answer depends on the facts, the booking terms, and what proof you have. In general, a re...
Is it legal for a landlord to keep both a cleaning fee and a security deposit for the same issue?
In general, a landlord may not be able to charge two separate amounts for the exact same damage, cleaning, or lease violation if that would amount to a double recovery. But whether a landlord can keep both a cleaning fee...
Do I Have to Pay a Contractor Who Never Pulled the Required Permit?
In general, a contractor’s failure to pull a required permit can create serious problems, but it does not automatically mean you do not owe any money. In Rhode Island, the answer often depends on the contract language, t...
My Storage Unit Auctioned My Stuff After Sending Notices to the Wrong Email — What Can I Do?
If a storage facility auctioned your belongings after sending notices to the wrong email address, there may be legal issues, but the answer depends heavily on the lease terms, the notice method used, and Georgia law. In...
Can a Landlord Charge Me Late Fees When the Rent Portal Was Down?
In general, a landlord may be able to charge late fees if rent is not paid on time, but the answer can depend on the lease, the payment methods the landlord made available, and the reason the portal was unavailable. In O...
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...
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...