Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What happens if my landlord shuts off my electricity because I complained about repairs?
If a landlord shuts off your electricity because you complained about repairs, that may be considered a serious housing rights issue in New Mexico. In general, a landlord is not supposed to use utility shutoffs as a way...
Can a landlord charge me for changing locks because I lost one key but returned the others?
In Ohio, a landlord may be able to charge for lock changes or key replacement if the lease says tenants must return all keys, if the missing key creates a security concern, or if the lease makes the tenant responsible fo...
Is it legal for a rental car company to charge hidden fees after return?
In general, a rental car company may charge fees after you return the vehicle if the charges were disclosed in the rental agreement, pricing terms, or other contract documents you accepted. The key issue is usually not w...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Fix a Broken Refrigerator?
In general, a landlord may not be able to ignore a broken refrigerator if the appliance is part of the rental agreement or was provided with the unit, especially if the issue affects habitability or the tenant’s use of t...
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...
Can my landlord charge me $500 for repainting after I lived there two years and only had minor scuffs?
In Texas, a landlord may sometimes try to charge a tenant for repainting after move-out, but that does not automatically mean the full amount is proper. In general, a landlord can seek payment for damage beyond ordinary...
My Neighbor Built a Fence Two Feet Onto My Property — What Should I Do?
If a neighbor built a fence onto land you believe is yours, the first step is usually to slow down and gather facts before taking action. In South Carolina, property-line disputes are often resolved by looking at deeds,...
Can a Landlord Make Me Sign a New Lease With Higher Rent Mid-Term?
In general, a landlord cannot usually force a tenant to sign a new lease in the middle of an existing fixed-term lease just to raise the rent, unless the original lease gives the landlord that right or the tenant agrees...
What are my rights if a moving company lost two boxes with my tax records and family photos?
If a moving company lost two boxes containing tax records and family photos, you may have several general rights under Mississippi law and the terms of the moving contract, but the details depend heavily on the facts. In...
Do I Owe Rent If My Apartment Had No Heat for Two Weeks?
In Michigan, a two-week loss of heat can be a serious habitability problem, but it does not automatically mean you can stop paying rent without risk. In general, tenants still owe rent unless a legal remedy applies, and...
What happens if my package is stolen after being marked delivered?
If a package is marked delivered but later appears stolen, the next steps usually depend on where it was delivered, who owned the package at that point, and what the seller, carrier, or payment provider’s policies say. I...
Do I have to pay for repairs after a mechanic misdiagnosed the problem and replaced the wrong part?
In Florida, whether you have to pay after a mechanic misdiagnoses a problem and replaces the wrong part usually depends on the repair agreement, what you authorized, and whether the shop’s work was reasonable under the c...
Can my landlord charge me for replacing the whole carpet when only one corner was stained?
In Missouri, a landlord may sometimes try to charge a tenant for carpet replacement if the carpet was damaged beyond ordinary wear and tear, but the amount charged usually has to be tied to the actual damage and the land...
What happens if a repair shop refuses to release my car until I pay for work I never approved?
In Massachusetts, a repair shop’s right to keep your car usually depends on the facts, the paperwork, and what kind of charges are being claimed. If you never approved the work, that may matter a lot, but it does not aut...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Replacing Appliances That Were Already Old?
In Wisconsin, a landlord may be able to charge a tenant for appliance damage in some situations, but the answer usually depends on why the appliance needed replacement, what the lease says, and whether the appliance was...